While the taxi operators came under severe criticism for yet another protest last week opposing speed governors, Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) emerged as a silver lining in the dark cloud, rescued passengers from facing hardships and won accolades.

Over two dozen local and inter-state buses were pulled into service, to assist the existing fleet of KTC buses to ply the stranded passengers. This gesture not only earned them a handsome revenue of around Rs 15 lakh, but also priceless compliments from people who appreciated their service.

Statistics point out that over 3,000 passengers used the KTC bus service during the fateful three days. In fact, buoyed by the initial success, the Corporation is now on a mission to expand its services to major tourist hotspots and increase trip frequency with 55 buses being added to the existing 66 buses, within one month.

KTC Managing Director Derrek Pereira Neto has said that around 35 buses will be 40-seater, while the remaining would be large buses having 50 or more seats. This would also include two sleeper coaches, while there are also talks of five KTC Volvo buses.

“By next year, the buses will be 100 and more,” he affirmed.

After receiving good response from the passengers most of whom comprised of tourists during the three-day taxi strike, the KTCL is extending its services to Candolim, Mobor and Benaulim, besides deploying buses at Thivim, Karmali and Margao railway stations.

The KTC is also increasing the trip frequency from airport to Calangute and Panjim and back. These places will also have additional buses in near future, he said.