Team Herald
PANJIM: Expressing concern over road accidents, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has appealed to the people travelling long distances mostly on two-wheelers to use KTC buses in a bid to avoid risk of accidents.
Sawant was speaking at the 44th anniversary of the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) at the KTC Bus Terminus, Panjim on Saturday, on the occasion of Dussehra.
Speaking further Sawant urged long-distance travellers 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. “Reduction in the use of two-wheelers and cars will reduce traffic congestion,” Sawant said.
Sawant assured that the KTC bus service will remain operational despite the launch of the ‘Mhaji Bus Scheme. He also inaugurated two new Kadamba buses and stated that the KTCL offers a 50 per cent concession on bus fares to students and senior citizens, while cancer patients, HIV patients, and those with more than 40 per cent disability can now avail free transportation when travelling on Kadamba buses.
The Chief Minister explained that KTC had to stop its long-distance, profitable inter-State routes like Kolhapur, Pune, Bengaluru and Belagavi due to 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.
Sawant further stated that the Kadamba electric bus service, launched under the Smart City initiative, had 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 and later congratulated the KTCL team, acknowledging the corporation’s commitment to public service.
KTCL Chairman and MLA UlhasTuenkar highlighted that the Kadamba family, including drivers, conductors, and mechanics, has been serving the people across the State 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.
Tuenkar mentioned that due to regulations, around 100 buses which were 15-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 sanction 50 more buses annually to help fill the gap. He further mentioned that out of the 150 electric buses, the KTCL received 87, with the remaining 43 expected by December this year.
According to Tuenkar, the KTCL has earned Rs 42 lakh as income through the 48 Smart EV buses which have been plying in the capital city under Smart City project since July this year.