MARGAO: Hundreds of passengers on Friday suffered inconvenience at Margao as the drivers of electric buses run by Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited went on strike demanding a 40 percent hike in salary.
However the KTC managed to resume the services by engaging trained drivers employed with them.
It is learnt that all the EV drivers who had gone on strike were employed with the Olectra Company and have nothing to do with the KTCL.
On Friday morning, several passengers who were travelling to Panjim and other places by the electric bus transport found themselves in a dilemma when they noticed that the services were paralysed. Due to this sudden strike, the passengers failed to reach the work place on time.
It is pertinent to note that nearly 50 electric buses of KTC are currently run on various routes.
One of the drivers of the electric bus told reporters that they have been on strike since the last three days, but refused to drive the vehicles on Friday.
“For the last two-and-half- years, no increment has been given to us. We are 124 drivers and have demanded for a 40 per cent pay hike,” he said.
Ulhas Tuenkar, Chairman of KTCL and Navelim MLA stated that those drivers are not under the KTC but engaged with Olectra Company.
“KTC managed to resume the electric bus service by engaging trained drivers. We will see to it that all the remaining buses will be back on the routes,” Tuenkar assured.
