MAPUSA
The All Goa Bus Owners Association has stepped up pressure on the State government over a series of unresolved issues confronting private bus operators, warning that it could launch an agitation and even demonstrate with black flags during the proposed visits of Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Amit Shah to Goa.
Speaking to journalists in Mapusa on Sunday, association general secretary Sudip Tamankar said private bus operators had met to take stock of their long-pending grievances, including concerns over the ‘Majhe Bus’ scheme, AI-enabled traffic enforcement cameras, changes in bus routes, electric buses and other government policies. A major concern, he said, was the delayed implementation of the ‘Majhe Bus’ scheme, which was introduced in May 2025.
Tamankar questioned the proposed conditions relating to the 15-year age limit for buses, mandatory smart ticketing machines, digital payment systems and the revenue-sharing mechanism. The association also raised the issue of financial losses suffered by private operators because of traffic restrictions and diversions linked to the construction of the Atal Setu and the Porvorim elevated corridor.
Tamankar said the government had promised Rs 10,000 compensation to affected operators, but the payment had not yet been released. The association has sought disbursement of the amount by September 10. On the use of AI-based traffic cameras, Tamankar said the association would approach the Director of Transport seeking relaxation and clarity on enforcement. He said private bus operators should not be singled out and maintained that provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act must be enforced uniformly. Tamankar said the association had taken up its concerns with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on several occasions and had also approached the Transport Department . However, he alleged that assurances given at the political level often failed to translate into action by the concerned officials.
