the goan I network
PANAJI
The proposed ultra-modern Kadamba bus stand at Margao appears to have become but a mirage for the one lakh-odd passengers who pass through the ruins of the existing bus terminus every single day.
In response to a question tabled by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat during the ongoing winter session of Goa legislature, Transport Minister Ramakrishna ‘Sudin' Dhavalikar admitted that though the foundation stone for the project was laid on October 6, 2011, the plans continue to await final approvals for over six years thereby preventing the project from taking off.
"A technical feasibility report of ultra-modern KTC bus stand terminus project along with floor plans have been prepared by consultant JV M/s Rajiv Khanna and Associates Pvt. ltd, Partners John Mcaslan and Partners and M/s Mace International, New Delhi, appointed by GSIDC, Panaji. The plans are not yet approved," the minister's reply reads.
The existing ruins from where KTC presently operates its Margao terminus have been termed as "temporary KTC Bus stand at Margao". It was constructed on April 4, 1987.
Each day, the 30 year-old "temporary structure" handles 568 buses and an upward of one lakh passengers on the state and interstate routes.
What comprises the present Margao KTC bus stand is a road pavement, toilet and compound wall, 350 sq mts of departure 14 bays with 10 shops in the passenger shed. A Sulabh Toilet, water fountain, vegetable vending stall, a canteen run by KTC, one ATM, parking area for scooters and cars, ticket booking office, parcel office, 11 gaadas of Deendayal and one tyre repair unit are also housed in the dilapidated shed.
Meanwhile, replying to a separate question tabled by St Cruz MLA Antonio Fernandes, the Transport Minister informed that the government has already constructed four new bus stands in the state while six new bus stands have been proposed.
Responding to a specific question, Dhavalikar has sought to assure that the construction of a new bus stand terminal at Margao will be taken up on priority basis as soon as necessary approval is obtained.
"Land for bus stand admeasuring 32,044 sq. mts. acquired by the Director of Transport and land admeasuring 34,518 sq.mts acquired by the Kadamba Transport Corporation at Margao, to construct the project at Margao. Hence, the proposal is under process," the reply says.
UPGRADE OVERDUE
The existing ruins from where KTC operates its Margao terminus were constructed on April 4, 1987
Each day, the structure handles 568 buses and an upward of one lakh passengers on state and interstate routes
Present Margao KTC bus stand is comprised of: pavement, toilet, compound wall, 350 sq mts of departure 14 bays with 10 shops, Sulabh toilet, water fountain, vegetable vending stall, a canteen run by KTC, one ATM, parking area for scooters and cars, ticket booking office, parcel office, 11 gaadas of Deendayal and one tyre repair unit
