The Panjim bus stand of KTCL is in a sorry state. The roof of passenger bays which had blown off two years ago hasn’t been replaced by the authorities. There are no proper signages and the pavements are encroached by the vendors, fruit and vegetable sellers causing inconvenience to the daily commuters. Some of the platforms are broken, particularly the ones from where the local buses ply, and they are in need of renovation.
It has been observed that improper parking in the bus stand affects movement of buses. The bus stand premises are littered and there is no round-the-clock cleanliness maintained by the concerned authorities.
A section of people, including migrant workers and tourists urinate in the open around the bus stand. The Panjim bus stand has also become a dumping site for abandoned vehicles as the authorities have turned a blind eye to this issue.
The immobile vehicles seen across at the city bus stand including two-wheelers, rickshaws, and cars without number plates have become an eyesore.
These vehicles act as a shelter for anti-social elements who are involved in crimes including illegal gambling, drugs and other criminal activities.
Such vehicles have occupied space meant for parking. These corroded vehicles add to traffic congestion, sometimes also leading to accidents. As such vehicles are unattended; they have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes which causes vector-borne diseases.
“The main reason for the dilapidated condition of the Panjim Bus Terminus is that it has not been given the attention it requires from the point of management and maintenance by KTCL,” GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said.
“There is no bus stand manager appointed and there is no dedicated fund allocated for the bus stand. Although there is revenue coming from the bus stand complex from shop rent, toll charged on bus trips, parking fees and advertising space this amount is not channelised back on maintenance,”
Martins said.
Martins said that there is a need to notify all ‘no parking and pay parking’ zones and other such signage, so that enforcement is possible.
He also highlighted the need to increase the seating arrangements for passengers waiting to board various route buses and improve the signage, public notices etc at KTC control room and ticket counters for shuttle service to different parts of the State.
“The State government is talking about transforming Panjim into a Smart City but they are doing nothing for the Panjim bus stand. This bus stand being in the capital city needs an urgent facelift. Minimum basic facilities should be provided for passengers, bus operators and those running small businesses at the complex,” said All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association General Secretary, Sudip Tamankar.
