Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, Panaji MLA and minister of revenue, claimed that the poor design of Panaji’s “smart bus stations” is a ruse to steal people’s money.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Monserrate demanded an immediate meeting to discuss the scam involving the subpar bus shelter designs, the unauthorized use of the advertisement rights agreement, and the deadline for finishing the ongoing work being carried out by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL).
“The substandard design of the bus shelters, which cannot be attributed as a smart bus station, is a scam to loot peoples’ valuable money, and the incorporation of the agreement of advertisement rights that have been executed before KTCL and Primeslots Events Pvt Ltd will lead to a colossal loss of revenue to the corporation of the city of Panaji (CCP),” Monserrate wrote in the letter.
He further said that the bus shelter design is too small to hold the amount of people who utilize the public transportation system, as well as being unsuitable for the climate of the city.
“The seating arrangement is awkward and uncomfortable, and the roof is insufficient to offer shade or protection from the sun and rain. Additionally, the bus shelter makes it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see one another, endangering everyone’s safety “Monserrate wrote to the CM.
In a statement, he said, “IPSCDL will collaborate with the necessary qualified and competent agencies to ensure that the Smart Bus shelters are easy and comfortable for seniors, people with disabilities, and all other commuters to access.”
According to the Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS) evaluation, senior citizens and people with disabilities cannot safely use the ramp opposite Kala Academy due to its excessively steep gradient.
Thirty-six bus stops are being built throughout the city of Panaji, with a total of 48 buses scheduled to begin service on seven routes.
