KTC to operate on 32 new routes in South Goa

Corporation to launch 100 buses in coming months

Margao: In a bid to improve the public transport network in the state, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) will be introducing 32 new routes in South Goa by June 2023. 

The KTC will buy 100 new large-bodied buses, which will be introduced on the new routes based on priority of connectivity.

Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ on the sidelines of a function held to launch a bus service in Navelim, a highly-placed official from the KTC requesting anonymity said the corporation will purchase 100 large-bodied buses which will be introduced on 100 new routes that have been identified.

Thirty-two of these new routes will be in South Goa.

MLAs have submitted requests for introducing buses on the new routes. However, priority will be given to those routes where there is no connectivity presently, he added.

As part of the revamp, the KTC is in the process of scrapping 50 buses which have outlived their operational lifespan.

The official disclosed that the corporation will be the official transport partner for G20 summit meetings to be held in Goa, adding  that  the new buses could start operating by May.

The KTC on Wednesday introduced a bus connecting Telaulim village to the Navelim junction as a private bus operator  discontinued the service to and from the village.

Speaking at the function, Navelim MLA and KTCL chairman Ulhas Tuenkar said, “People of Navelim should not suffer due to lack of public transport.

The moment sarpanches and panches brought it to my notice that the public transport operator stopped operations in the area, I took up the matter with KTC officials to immediately start a bus service to connect the village. So, the bus has been introduced for the benefit of the people.”

Tuenkar urged the villagers to avail of the KTC bus service, adding that if required another bus could be introduced on the route depending on the response from the people.

The legislator said that work for improvement of roads near the Navelim church junction will be taken up soon after Easter, which will put an end to the hardships faced by commuters.

Motorists suffer due to the potholes that keep developing on the roads especially in the monsoon.

He said the tender for the work has already been issued, and that heavy duty pavers will be put at the junction which will ease the commute.