Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant assured that the Kadamba bus service will remain operational despite the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme. He was speaking after inaugurating two new Kadamba buses at the 44th anniversary celebration of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited at the K.T.C. Bus Terminus, Panaji, today.
In his address, Dr. Sawant congratulated the KTCL team, acknowledging the corporation’s commitment to public service. He stated that KTCL offers a 50% concession on bus fares to students and senior citizens, while cancer patients, HIV patients, and those with more than 40% disability can avail of free transportation when travelling on Kadamba buses.
The Chief Minister explained that Kadamba had to stop its long-distance, profitable routes like Kolhapur, Pune, Bangalore, and Belgaum due to a shortage of buses. However, this decision demonstrates the corporation’s dedication to providing services on shorter routes, even at a loss, to benefit the public. The Chief Minister further stated that the Kadamba electric bus service, launched under the Smart City initiative, has been providing excellent service to the public. He added that the government plans to expand this service across the entire State with the goal of reducing carbon emissions.
The Chief Minister urged long-distance travelers to consider using public transport more often, explaining that it could help lower the incidence of road accidents, particularly those involving two-wheelers, which have been on the rise. He further noted that public transport carries a lower risk.
MLA and KTCL Chairman, Shri Ulhas Tuenkar, in his speech, highlighted that the Kadamba family, including drivers, conductors, and mechanics, has been serving the people from Pernem to Canacona taluka for the last 44 years. He acknowledged challenges such as a shortage of buses and the need to upgrade bus stands, but appreciated the continuous support from the government. Shri Tuenkar mentioned that, due to regulations, around 100 buses which were 50 years old had to be scrapped, causing a shortage of buses on 100 routes. He thanked the government for providing 50 new buses and urged the Chief Minister to supply 50 more buses annually to help fill the gap. He further mentioned that out of the 150 electric buses, KTCL has received 87, with the remaining 43 expected by December.
Shri Tuenkar also requested the Chief Minister to provide around 20 new buses for the upcoming Solemn Exposition of St. Francis Xavier, which will help in serving the public.
The Chief Minister also felicitated KTCL staff, including traffic controllers, drivers, conductors, and mechanical staff on the occasion. Meritorious children of KTCL staff who secured high marks in SSC and HSSC were also felicitated.
Earlier, in the presence of the Chief Minister, a puja was performed on the first Kadamba bus, GDX 1, which was purchased in 1980, to mark the occasion.
Shri Narayan Naik, General Manager of KTCL, welcomed the gathering.
Also present on the occasion were Shri Kritesh Naik Gaonkar, Vice Chairman of KTCL, Shri Pundalik Khorjuvekar, Board of Directors, Smt. Ujwala Naik, Smt. Madhukala Shirodkar, Shri Bayo Bhandari, along with staff of KTCL.
