Team Herald
MARGAO: Responding to concerns about overcrowded Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses, particularly during peak hours, Ulhas Tuenkar, Chairman of KTC and Navelim MLA, assured that enhanced safety measures would be strictly implemented for girl students and other commuters.
Tuenkar acknowledged the overcrowding issue, which has raised safety concerns, especially after a recent incident in Margao where a girl student faced sexual harassment on an overcrowded bus. He emphasised that steps would be taken to prioritise the safety of female commuters and senior citizens on KTC buses.
“Yes, the issue has been brought to my attention, and we will ensure that preference is given to female commuters and senior citizens on KTC buses,” Tuenkar stated, adding that a shortage of KTC buses has exacerbated the problem. However, he assured that more buses would be introduced within the next six months, and all necessary safety measures would be implemented.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva also highlighted the issue, urging CM Pramod Sawant to introduce an additional bus service from the KTC bus stand to Fr Agnel Ashram-Verna. Silva, who witnessed the overcrowding firsthand, stressed the difficulties faced by students from Carmel College, Fr Agnel College, and Padre Conceicao College due to inadequate transport facilities.
“It has come to our notice that students are facing significant difficulties due to the lack of transport from the KTC Margao bus stand to Verna,” Silva stated. He proposed arranging extra bus trips between 8.30 am and 9 am to alleviate the overcrowding, which he believes would significantly improve the situation for students and other commuters.