the goan I network
VASCO
The bandh received moderate response in the port town and across Mormugao taluka, as arrangements were made to transport passengers from various places, including the Dabolim airport and the Mormugao port.
No untoward incident was witnessed during the strike and a strong police force was deployed at bus stands and other strategic locations in the taluka.
Several KTC buses -- both non-stop shuttle and local route buses -- were seen carrying passengers, while some KTC buses were deployed at Dabolim airport and Mormugao port to cater to tourists arriving by flight and cruise ships. KTC buses were also seen transporting students to and from schools.
KTCL Chairman and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said the KTC had made elaborate arrangements to ensure that there was no inconvenience to students and commuters.
“Several buses were operating on local routes after ferrying students to schools,” said Almeida.
At Dabolim Airport, taxis were operational and both Yellow-Black and other taxi services did business as normal routine, even though many passengers who heard about the strike chose to travel by KTC buses stationed at the airport.
Several banks expected to be closed were seen operational with some shortage of staff and the Mormugao Municipal Council offices were also functional to attend to peoples works.
Several private buses operating on various local suburban routes were also seen operating in the morning. However on hearing news of some trade unions gathering at Verna junction, Cortalim Circle and Chicalim circle, the private bus operators withdrew their buses from the routes.
While sources said private bus owners had received calls not to operate their buses, no bus owner was willing to confirm the same on record.
However, taxis, rickshaws and motorcycle taxis (pilots) did brisk business taking advantage of the bandh in Vasco and passengers, office-goers were not put into much inconvenience.
All establishments in the Vasco markets were seen functioning and as such there was not much inconvenience to public due to the strike in Vasco.
Some companies at the Verna Industrial Estate witnessed a shortage of staff.
There were unconfirmed reports the ferry services between Cortalim and Marcaim was hampered for some time, due to staff shortage.
Some unions reportedly attempted to block roads, but police teams ensured that there were no incidents of road blockades.
Several members of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Goa State had gathered at Verna Junction and protested with slogans.
