The government’s failure to clear pending fuel subsidy dues for nine months has pushed private bus operators to breaking point, with many warning they may be forced to suspend services if payments are not released soon.
Sudip Tamankar, leader of the Goa State Private Bus Owners, said despite repeated assurances, the vast majority of operators have not received their dues. “From Bicholim and Keri, some sanction orders have been issued, but for most others nothing has been done. The government has not given us the money, and the burden on bus owners is becoming unbearable,” he said.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Goa has around 1,460 private buses in operation, nearly 950 of them owned by individual operators, the rest by small groups or associations. Each bus typically covers 130-200 km daily, depending on the route. With fuel prices soaring over the past year, owners say they are struggling to manage expenses without the promised subsidy.
The scheme was launched by the State as a relief measure to ensure the viability of public transport. But long delays in disbursal have left many operators on the brink of collapse. “The government is talking about new schemes such as ‘Majhi Bus’, but how can we join any new scheme when the dues under the old one have not been cleared?” Tamankar asked.
He also criticised the lack of communication. “We have not been given any intimation about when the dues will be paid. This is forcing many owners to consider drastic steps, including suspending their services. If that happens, it will directly affect thousands of daily commuters who rely on private buses,” he warned.
The subsidy amount, which varies according to distance covered, averages several thousand rupees per month per bus. Without it, operators say they are forced to dip into savings or take loans to keep their vehicles running.
The situation is particularly dire for single-bus owners, who make up the bulk of the sector. “For a big operator with 10–15 buses, there may still be some scope to manage, but for those of us with only one vehicle, it is impossible to keep going without subsidy support,” said one owner from North Goa.
Tamankar warned that if dues are not cleared soon, agitation will intensify. “We have been patient for nine months. If the dues are not paid immediately, we will be left with no choice but to take our protest forward,” he said.
For now, Goa’s private bus sector waits anxiously, hoping the government acts before services grind to a halt.
