Team Herald
MARGAO: Passengers aboard a Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) shuttle bus traveling from Vasco to Margao were left frustrated after facing rainwater leaks inside the air-conditioned bus. The issue became widely known when Roland Martins, Co-ordinator of the NGO GOACAN, had to use an umbrella inside the bus to shield himself from the water seeping through the roof.
In addition, the AC in the bus was not working. Martins recounted how passengers were moving around to avoid being dripped on, and several people alighted the bus with embarrassing wet patches on their clothes.
The bus bearing registration number GA-03-X-0524, is reportedly linked to the Margao Depot. However, passengers noticed a discrepancy as the ticket issued reflected a different bus number, GA-03-X-0142. This raised concerns over KTCL’s transparency and willingness to rectify the situation, as it appeared to complicate the process for lodging complaints.
Martins’ attempt to file a formal complaint at the shuttle booking counter at the Vasco bus stop hit another roadblock — no complaint book was available. This lack of a basic grievance redressal mechanism left passengers unable to voice their concerns effectively, adding to their frustration.
Upon reaching Margao, the bus driver expressed his own dissatisfaction. “I have reported the leak multiple times, but no action has been taken,” he said. This suggests that the issue has been persistent, but authorities have ignored the staff’s complaints.
In response to the incident, GOACAN has announced plans to file an official complaint with KTCL at its Porvorim office. They also intend to bring the issue to the attention of the newly appointed KTCL Managing Director, Pundalik Korjuenkar.
This incident highlights larger systemic problems within KTCL, including poor vehicle maintenance, a lack of transparent complaint mechanisms, and possible efforts to obscure accountability.
For commuters relying on KTCL for daily travel, the incident emphasises the need for immediate improvements in service quality and responsiveness to customer
complaints.