The Kadamba Transport Corporation has restarted the inter-state bus service to Karwar and Belagavi on Saturday after a gap of 170 days. The Maharastra and Telangana services will also start soon. However, fears have been raised that this inter-state travel will further increase Covid positive cases and fatalities in the State.
The bus service has resumed after a long break so obviously there will be a rush to travel and there are less chances of people following the social distancing norms.
The KTC has started ticket booking at counters and people are standing in crowds to buy tickets. Also while boarding there are chances of contact with other person if the MHA norms are not adhered to.
Although there is 50 percent capacity norms as per MHA guidelines but practically it is impossible for operators to strictly adhere to these norms. In this circumstances there are chances of spread of Covid.
Presently, two buses are plying from Goa to Karwar and three on Goa to Belagavi route of 50-seater capacity. The buses are returning on the same day. There is no screening or tests done of passengers.
Goa to Karwar ticket is Rs 75 and Goa to Belagavi service fare is Rs 100.
KTC has lost around 500 odd crore revenue due to closure of interstate route.
