Congress claims absence of CM Manohar Parrikar is affecting the overall functioning of the state but on the other hand the BJP government says the State is functioning smoothly without the CM.
One of the major projects, which is at a standstill due to CM’s absence, is the New Mapusa bus stand. Sources say the decision whether the project will be undertaken as Private Public Partnership or by the Transport Department or the PWD department is not yet decided.
Sources from Mapusa Municipality Council (MMC) informed that necessary licences from the civic body are ready but the licence fee is yet to be paid by the Transport Department.
Mapshekars have been waiting for this new project for years. After the land acquisition and land filing in 2015, no further work was undertaken since the project file was reportedly jumping around from one department to another due to non-payment of infrastructure tax by Transport department to PDA.
Taking into consideration the situation of existing Mapusa bus stand and the increasing traffic congestion, the new Mapusa bus stand is the need of the hour as there is no enough parking space in Mapusa and the congestion in the town is getting worse day by day.
Local MLA and Urban Development Minister Adv Francis D’souza said, “It is yet to be decided whether this project will be undertaken as PPP or not since the Transport Department as well as PWD wish to take up the project. However, the final decision will be taken by the Chief Minister who will decide on the issue once he is back”.
Although 20,000 sq mtrs of land for the project was acquired in 2015, residents can only see an open space now after almost three years. If the project turns into a reality and if things go according to the plan, the total parking capacity of the new bus stand will be 1,050 for two-wheelers and 850 for four wheelers with 58 bus bays and 36 idle bays.
The new complex will also house the Bardez Transport office, other government offices and a shopping complex.
