Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged individuals travelling long distances, particularly those using two-wheelers, to consider utilising the services of the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTC) to mitigate the risk of accidents, KTC has long miles to go before it offers last mile connectivity in Goa's hinterlands. Despite KTC plying the only public transport service in several forested villages and hilly areas, the buses are few and far apart, and do not stick to a reliable schedule, with no options for those who finish work later in the day.
According to information on their website, KTC operates on 415 routes, including inter-state services. However, concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of bus timings. For instance, the bus service from Valpoi to Panjim operates from 6.40 am to 5 pm, while the return service from Panjim to Valpoi runs from 10.46 am to 6.20 pm, with a frequency of one to two hours. Similarly, the Bicholim to Panjim service runs from 5.45 am to 4.50 pm, with the return service starting at 9.30 am and ending at 6.15 pm. This raises questions about the availability of night services.
A senior KTC official, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed to O Heraldo, “The buses run according to their schedule. Service depends upon route permit timings. It varies. It may start at 5 am or 7 am. Buses do not go to each and every village in the state. They halt at certain locations.”
He further noted that there are specific areas where only KTC buses operate, such as the village of Salgini and the region of Mangal. “There are many thickly forested areas in Valpoi, like Nanoda, where only Kadamba provides connectivity,” he added.
KTC boasts a fleet of 450 diesel buses, alongside 93 electric buses and 60 buses operating under the Mhaji bus scheme, with 59 in South Goa and one in North Goa. Additionally, 86 buses are dedicated to transporting students, primarily in rural areas.
Despite these provisions, the official acknowledged that some routes are experiencing connectivity issues, particularly as private bus operators have reduced their services following the Covid-19 pandemic. “They do not operate if they get fewer passengers on any particular route, but KTC continues to operate buses irrespective of the number of passengers they get,” he stated.
Moreover, he highlighted a growing trend of carpooling among individuals who need to work late in the city, adapting their travel arrangements to suit their schedules.
As the state grapples with road safety concerns, the Chief Minister's appeal for increased bus usage underscores the importance of reliable public transport in reducing the risks associated with long-distance travel.