Elvino Araujo
Should Goa decide to host a motocross in the near future, a perfect location awaits the organisers in the heart of Vasco city, or the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus stand at Mundvel-Vasco to be more precise.
But what makes people stop and stare at the numerous pot-holes in KTC bus stand with utter disbelief is the fact that the bus stand is barely about 100 metres from the residence of KTC Chairman and Vasco legislator Carlos Almeida.
“The potholes at the KTC bus stand are like craters on the moon. While travelling in the bus, passengers have to desperately cling on to seat bars lest they fall off their seats,” remarked N Shivdas, a daily commuter from Vasco to Panjim.
Incidentally, potholes are not the problems that have been troubling bus operators and commuters alike. Visit the bus stand after dusk and you would be forced to carry a torch. The lights are out of order and the entire bus stand plunges into darkness.
“After 7 pm, it’s very scary to be at the bus stand, as there are no lights and the bus stand is frequently occupied by strangers. KTC authorities should at least illuminate the bus stand for the safety of the women, if they cannot fill the potholes,” said another daily commuter, Mary Fernandes.
While they were reluctant to speak on record, many bus drivers complained that the severe potholes have seriously compromised the condition of their buses.
“Due to the potholes and the uneven surface, many parts have been damaged. Most often, it is the suspension plate which is most affected. Each suspension plate costs Rs 1,500, besides the garage charges. This amounts to a loss of one day’s income as the bus has to be left in the garage for repairs,” said a driver.
The bus stand also does not have drinking water facilities and most of the sitting facilities for passengers are occupied by bus drivers, conductors and others.
A number of residents have expressed surprise that the many problems plaguing the KTC bus stand have escaped the attention of KTC Chairman and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, especially since he resides in the vicinity of the KTC bus stand.
“It is very sad that KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida, despite being from Vasco, has failed to attend to the potholes at the KTC bus stand. What is more surprising is that while interlocking pavers have been laid near churches, temples, in front of the houses of some party workers and even inside a private garage at Mangor, Almeida did not deem it necessary to asphalt the road at the KTC bus stand for the safety of the citizens who have elected him,” said Roque Pereira, a commuter.
When the matter was brought to his notice, Almeida was quick to state that a detailed estimate for the KTC bus stand project has been submitted to the government. “The work will be tendered in July,” he said.
When this correspondent sought to know why temporary asphalting of the potholes was not done before the monsoon, Almeida replied: “This would have amounted to additional expenses, but I will fill the potholes with rubble as a temporary relief for bus drivers and commuters.”
