Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai has strongly criticised the state government’s proposed redevelopment of the KTC Margao bus stand, alleging that the tender process prioritises commercial complexes over public transport needs.
Addressing the media, Sardesai said the project, floated under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, seems to focus on building malls and hotels rather than creating a modern bus terminal for Margao, Salcete and South Goa.
“The KTC bus stand lies in my constituency, and neither I nor the people of Fatorda will remain silent spectators to any attempt to divert prime public land for commercial exploitation while relegating transport infrastructure to the background,” Sardesai asserted.
He questioned whether the long-standing demand for a proper bus stand would be met if 30,000 sq. m. of land was handed over to private developers. “Out of the total 62,350 sq. m., 30,000 sq. m. is proposed to be given to the bidder. During my tenure as TCP Minister, I increased the FAR to 300 for government benefit, but this allocation defeats the project’s very purpose,” he said.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Concession Terms
Sardesai highlighted that the plan provides parking for only 150 buses instead of the required 250, indicating a compromise in core infrastructure. He also pointed out that while the concessionaire would manage the bus port for 35 years, it would retain control over the commercial complex for 60 years.
He recalled raising the issue in the Assembly on July 28, 2025, when Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho assured consultation with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. Sardesai, however, noted that the bus stand falls within the Fatorda constituency and insisted that local interests must not be ignored.