To address long-standing intra-estate transport gaps, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC), in collaboration with the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), on Friday launched an internal bus service at the Verna Industrial Estate to improve worker mobility and operational efficiency.
The service, flagged off by Goa-IDC Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, is expected to ease commuting challenges faced by thousands of workers within one of the state’s largest industrial hubs.
A press note issued on Friday stated the bus, operates by KTCL, will run daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on a continuous loop, starting and ending at Titan Junction while covering key locations across the estate. The closed-circuit route is designed to facilitate seamless movement of workers between industrial units.
A flat fare of Rs 10 has been fixed, with Goa-IDC extending viability gap funding to sustain operations. Currently, one bus has been deployed under the pilot initiative.
Officials said the service directly responds to industry demands for improved last-mile connectivity within the estate, particularly benefiting workers reporting for early morning shifts and those employed in units spread across the industrial zone.
Industry representatives, including the Goa State Industries Association, said the initiative would improve workforce accessibility and could particularly aid women workers. They, however, indicated that additional buses may be required depending on demand.
The service has been launched on a pilot basis and will be reviewed based on operational performance and commuter feedback.
