‘Kadamba buses are Goa's lifeline’

Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant lauded the local Kadamba buses for playing a significant role in the socio-economic progress of the state. The chief minister was speaking at the 45^th anniversary celebrations of the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTCL), held at the KTC bus stand complex in Panjim, recently. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sawant described the Kadamba buses as ‘the lifeline of Goa’, focusing on service, rather than profit-making. “Kadamba buses have always been passenger-centric,” he said.

The chief minister said that the KTC services have helped people across the state, and was all praise for the staff of the corporation for their dedicated service. He revealed that digitisation was being carried out in full swing in the KTCL, and urged the public to avail of the monthly passes and Smart Transit Cards. 

MODERNISATION, MAPPING & MORE

He informed that the KTCL plans to increase its fleet of electric buses to ensure a clean and green Goa. Sawant urged private bus operators to avail of the government's 'Mhaji Bus' scheme, which offered a variety of incentives to bus owners in a bid to modernise public transport in Goa. 

Sawant assured that steps would be taken to strengthen the Kadamba Corporation and said that the issue of pending dues to retired as well current staff of KTCL is being looked into. He said that the welfare of the KTCL staff was always a priority, and facilities like refresher courses, stress management measures etc would be provided to them.

The Minister for Transport, Mauvin Godinho, who was also present on the occasion, expressed happiness at seeing more and more people choosing Kadamba bus services over private transport. He informed that as part of the modernisation of the public transport system in Goa, Kadamba Transport would soon introduce the electronic tracking of buses, geo-mapping of routes etc.

The MLA of Navelim and Chairperson of KTCL, Ulhas Tuenkar, appreciated the KTCL staff for the  good work they were doing. He further informed that 280 old Kadamba buses would be scrapped, and around 100 electric buses would be introduced on various routes by 2027.

A pooja of the first KTC bus was also performed, while meritorious children of the employees of KTCL were felicitated on the occasion.