Team Herald
MARGAO: Bailancho Ekvott (BE) has expressed serious concern about the safety and dignity of students and women traveling in overcrowded Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses. The group particularly emphasised addressing the rude behaviour by some KTC bus conductors.
On Tuesday, Auda Viegas, BE President, sent a letter to KTC Chairman and MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, highlighting the overcrowded conditions on KTC buses and the need for conductors to treat passengers with respect.
Viegas referenced a recent incident where a girl student felt harassed and violated on a packed bus. “The crowded buses are perfect breeding grounds for women abusers,” Viegas stated. She criticised the inaction of a conductor who ignored the student’s plea for help, questioning the purpose of cameras installed on the buses if they do not prevent such incidents.
Viegas also raised concerns about the morning rush hours, which are particularly challenging for students and women. “What prevents the authorities from operating additional buses to prevent overcrowding and thus preventing such behaviour by men, who physically harass and molest women and girls?” she asked.
Bailancho Ekvott suggested treating overcrowding as an offence and recommended the operation of additional buses during peak hours. They also proposed a shuttle service between Margao and Verna to ensure commuters can travel comfortably. Viegas also urged authorities to ensure that fare tickets are issued to all commuters and to monitor the buses through the cameras installed, to prevent overcrowding.