Ajit John
PANJIM: For many visitors, the Panjim bus stand serves as their first impression of Goa’s capital — a city internationally renowned as a tourist paradise. This vital hub connects local routes within Panjim, statewide destinations, and outstation services, catering to thousands of residents, interstate travellers, and budget tourists from across India and abroad.
However, despite Panjim’s label as a “smart city”, the bus stand paints a very different picture. From inadequate cleanliness and haphazard parking to neglected waste management and safety lapses, the facility struggles to meet even basic public expectations. With over 1,000 buses operating daily and more than one lakh passengers using the stand, the case for better infrastructure and planning is urgent.
As Roland Martins, convenor of NGO Goacan, put it while observing the chaos, “They don’t seem to know how to handle the goose that lays the golden egg,” referring to the substantial revenue the State earns through public transport.
Parking woes and fire
safety concerns
Adding to the chaos is the state of parking within the complex. Martins noted that in the paid parking zone, many vehicles — often from out of state — are simply abandoned and left to occupy space indefinitely. “There’s no reporting mechanism,” he said. “The person managing the parking should inform Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) if a vehicle hasn’t moved for months.”
He also raised concerns about the lack of demarcation between paid and unpaid parking areas and the weak enforcement of no-parking zones. “Even the claim that the stand is under the control of a single authority can be contested,” he added.
The issue of fire safety also remains neglected. Martins recalled a past fire that gutted several shops within the premises. “The fire department had recommended complete rewiring of the electrical system, but no action has been taken. There are still no fire hydrants. If a fire breaks out, the whole complex could be lost.”
Equally alarming is the absence of a police kiosk — a critical facility in any major transit hub. “A police presence is essential to handle emergencies and ensure general safety,” he said.
When asked about infrastructure upgrades, KTC’s Managing Director Rohan Kaskar acknowledged that the current structure, built in 1983, is due for an overhaul. Plans are underway for a new terminal under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, it is clear that the timeline for approvals, permissions, and construction is uncertain.
Fighting for space
One of the most glaring issues at the bus stand is the sheer lack of space for the large number of vehicles. Buses are often forced to manoeuvre through tight spots, creating frequent gridlocks.
Abdul Salam Quereshi, a conductor with a private bus service, admitted that navigating the area has become increasingly difficult. Driver Dada Bhir echoed this concern and pointed to the widespread problem of double parking — especially by two-wheelers — which worsens congestion and creates a hazard for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Poor cleanliness, missing amenities
Sanitation is another serious concern. While the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) had provided waste bins, many have been removed or replaced with broken containers, leading to littering and foul odours.
Idris, a visitor from Belgaum, noted the poor condition of toilets and general waiting areas. Nidhi from Candolim, traveling with her sisters, said, “Cleanliness is the minimum you expect. This place fails that basic standard.” Frequent commuter Daniela Fernandes said she avoids the stand during the monsoon due to severe waterlogging and lack of maintenance. “Monsoon is almost here, and the authorities seem unprepared,” she warned.
A Goa Tourism outlet near the entrance has been closed for months for renovations, yet a large promotional board continues to advertise its presence. According to Martins, tourists — especially foreigners — are often left confused in the absence of proper signage and
assistance.
Seating is another sore point. Commuter Malik highlighted the shortage of waiting areas for outstation passengers. While there is a designated room for women to breastfeed, it remains locked, with a sign asking users to contact the manager for access — a step many are reluctant or unable to take.
Access to clean drinking water is also lacking, further inconveniencing the large number of travellers passing through.
For the differently abled, the infrastructure is far from adequate. Kaskar stated that two ramps — one at the entrance and one in the Panjim–Mapusa section — have been built, along with a disabled-friendly toilet and tactile tiles to assist the visually impaired. However, a walk around the premises reveals that truly inclusive design is still far from reality.
As monsoon season looms and tourist numbers continue to rise, the urgent need to upgrade the Panjim bus stand becomes ever more pressing. Until then, the facility remains a bottleneck in the heart of a city that aspires to call itself “smart.”