Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: In a significant move to enhance connectivity and cater to the devotional needs of the people, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) launched a direct bus service between Akkalkot and Goa. The service was inaugurated by Goa’s Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday evening in Vasco, in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, KTCL Chairman Ullhas Tuyenkar, Vice Chairman Kritesh Gaonkar, Sancoale ZP Anita Thorat, Councillor Shami Salkar, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho emphasized KTCL’s commitment to serving the public. “KTCL has always risen to the occasion, whether it was during the COVID-19 pandemic or the ongoing St. Francis Xavier exposition. Today, we address the long-standing demand for a direct bus service between Goa and Akkalkot, a place of great devotion for many,” he said.
Godinho also announced plans to expand services further. “People have been requesting a direct bus to Vailankanni, and I assure you that this service will be launched soon. We are also considering a direct service to Tirupati to ensure that the faith and devotion of people across religions are respected. KTCL is working to create a well-connected transport system to meet these needs,” he added.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar expressed his gratitude and highlighted the importance of the new service. “This was a long-pending demand not just from Vasco but from across Goa. Devotees visiting Akkalkot to seek blessings from Swami Samarth Maharaj will greatly benefit. It is a divine coincidence that the service begins on the holy Thursday of Margashirsha, a day dedicated to Swami Samarth Maharaj in the Hindu calendar,” Salkar remarked.
KTCL Chairman and Navelim MLA Ullhas Tuyenkar shared details about the swift launch of the service. “The bus arrived on Thursday morning, and its registration was completed immediately. Transport Minister Godinho directed us to launch the service without delay to fulfill the people’s long-pending demand. We are also preparing to launch services to other holy sites like Tirupati and Vailankanni,” Tuyenkar said.
He further informed about KTCL’s efforts to support the ongoing St. Francis Xavier exposition. “We have already deployed 30 new buses for the exposition and received 50 more buses to cater to people’s demands across various locations.”
The Transport Minister also outlined KTCL’s future plans, including upgrading bus stands into state-of-the-art bus ports and introducing air-conditioned electric buses. “Our goal is to make eco-friendly, comfortable transport the preferred choice for Goans,” Godinho concluded.
The direct Akkalkot-Goa bus service marks another milestone in KTCL’s efforts to connect Goa to significant pilgrimage sites, providing convenience and comfort to devotees.
