MAPUSA
The unreliable bus service between Mapusa and Aldona, operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has become a source of frustration for local residents, particularly due to frequent breakdowns during morning commutes.
In the past two weeks, at least two KTC buses broke down, one at the Corjuem bridge and recently at Nachinola, leaving passengers stranded and delaying their daily routines.
Many of these buses are reportedly old and poorly maintained, leading to recurring issues.
Commuters, especially those relying on the service for work and school, have expressed their anger and called for urgent intervention.
“This is not the first time we’ve been left in the lurch. The buses are in such bad condition that they break down almost every week. It’s high time the government replaces these old buses with new ones,” a local resident said.
Sharing her frustration, another commuter from Aldona said: “Students and office-goers are the worst affected. My daughter had to miss her college lectures twice last week because the bus broke down halfway. This is unacceptable.”
The locals have urged the KTC and the State government to address the issue promptly.
“A lot of people depend on this bus service and its unreliability is disrupting the lives of common men. If the authorities don’t act now, they are failing the people of Aldona,” said Luis Pinto, a local resident.
When contacted, a senior official from KTC acknowledged the complaints and assured that steps are being taken to resolve the issue.
“We are aware of the inconvenience caused by the recent breakdowns and deeply regret the trouble to passengers. Maintenance of buses is a priority, but some of our older fleet requires replacement,” the official stated.
The Mapusa-Aldona bus route serves hundreds of residents daily, and its reliability is critical for the village.
Frequent breakdowns have raised questions about the overall maintenance standards of public transport in the area.
Residents have demanded swift action to replace aging buses and improve the overall service quality.
With no immediate resolution in sight, many commuters remain sceptical about the corporation’s ability to address the issue effectively.
