MARGAO: The residents of South Goa District have raised their voices, urging the government to address the lack of adequate bus
connectivity between
villages and talukas,
causing hardships in their daily commutes.
Locals, particularly those in rural areas and villages in the South district, have called for better bus connectivity to Margao and other important routes, including those leading to Panjim. This demand was echoed by members of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat during a recent meeting.
During peak hours, commuters face significant difficulties due to overcrowding and a shortage of buses. Many individuals are forced to walk long distances to reach the main road in order to catch a bus, as highlighted by a flower vendor who
regularly travels from Sanguem to Margao.
On public holidays and weekends, when people often need to travel for events and functions,
securing a bus becomes a challenging task, according to Rita Fernandes from
Curtorim.
Moreover, several private bus operators in the Salcete taluka have ceased their services and have not renewed their permits issued by the Transport Department. This has adversely affected many commuters, especially students, senior citizens, and women.
Transport Department officials acknowledged the issue and pointed out that the State cabinet recently approved the ‘Mhaji Bus’ Scheme. Under this initiative, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTC) will hire and operate private buses on a pilot basis.
Initially, the KTC plans to introduce private stage carriage buses on two major sectors: Panjim-Ponda-Sanvordem and Margao-Canacona, with the aim of improving bus services and addressing the transportation needs of the citizens.
