Team Herald
MARGAO: Bus passengers and residents of Fatorda have voiced serious concerns over safety at the Kadamba Transport (KTC) bus stand in Margao.
Reports indicate that inter-State bus drivers, primarily from other States, are causing disturbances in the area, which has resulted in heightened feelings of insecurity, especially among women.
In response to these concerns, citizens are calling for immediate intervention from the police and the implementation of measures to ensure the safety of all passengers.
It has come to light that many inter-State bus drivers and conductors, most of them migrants from neighbouring States, are seen behaving inappropriately, including sleeping and moving around half-naked, sometimes under the influence of alcohol. Some have even been found resting in open areas or bathing openly.
Milagres Fernandes, a local resident, spoke to reporters, pointing out that the KTC bus stand, being one of the main bus hubs in Margao, sees hundreds of passengers daily, including many women.
“Many passengers, particularly women, walk home from the bus stand late in the evening, and many have to pass through the poorly lit, secluded lanes behind the bus stand. The suspicious, inappropriate behaviour of some bus drivers and conductors makes them feel unsafe,” he said. He has called for the KTC to implement safety measures and for regular police patrols to ensure a sense of security, especially for female passengers.
Fatima Dias, a daily commuter to Panjim, also shared her
experiences.
“I often arrive in Margao around 7.30 pm after work. There have been multiple instances where passengers like me feel unsafe walking through the bus stand parking area due to the presence of suspicious individuals,” she said. Fatima urged the authorities to take action to prevent such nuisances and ensure passenger safety.
Both residents and commuters are hopeful that the police and concerned authorities will act promptly to address these issues and restore a safe environment at the bus stand.