It is the most important bus stand in Bardez taluka and even houses the Mapusa RTO and an office of the Public Works Department; however, KTC bus stand at Mapusa has been a nightmare for passengers and bus operators alike.
Inaugurated by then chief minister Pratapsing Rane on June 26, 1989, the Mapusa KTC bus stand is in a pitiable condition. Several potholes have developed all over the bus stand. Water-logging is a regular feature at the bus stand during the rainy season and garbage is strewn all over the place. Stray cattle frequent the bus stand and their dung is found scattered at every nook and corner of the stand.
According to sources, the KTC has appointed four women on contract basis to clean the entire bus stand. With each of these women entitled to a weekly off, only three women workers attend to the bus stand on a daily basis.
Despite the presence of a public toilet at the bus stand, men are seen urinating by the side of the compound wall. A portion of the compound wall on the northern side of the bus stand has collapsed and the walls of the building indicate they have not been painted for years together.
The civic rights group GOACAN had once conducted a joint inspection with the officials of Kadamba Transport Corporation, Regional Transport office, Directorate of Health Services, Mapusa Municipal Council and food inspectors, to highlight the unhygienic conditions at the bus stand, but all efforts were in vain.
When contacted, KTC Managing Director Derrick Perreira Neto stated that the KTC has decided to renovate the bus stand and the administrative approval for the same has been received from the State government.
“Renovation work includes asphalting of internal roads, cleaning of drainages, illumination of the bus stand, etc. As soon as the estimates are prepared, the tender will be issued for the renovation of the bus stand,” informed Neto.
Commenting on security at the bus stand, Neto said, “At present, two security guards have been posted at the bus stand. One more security guard will be added for the night shift.”
When asked if the KTC had plans to shift the bus stand elsewhere, Neto replied, “The KTC has no such plans at present. The Mapusa Municipal Council wants to shift the KTC bus stand and utilize the existing one for parking purpose, as they are facing parking problems in the town.”
