MAPUSA
Chairman of Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTCL) Ulhas Tuenkar announced on Friday that an inquiry will be conducted into the alleged construction of an unauthorised tea stall at the Mapusa bus stand.
Tuenkar also assured that appropriate action would be taken if any wrongdoing is discovered.
“I just came to know about the issue when you people raised it before me. If there is anything wrong that is done, I will take action. I will inquire into it. What is legal has to happen. The bus-stand is for people,” said Tuenkar, while responding to queries from journalists.
The controversy stems from the removal of two concrete sofas at bus bay no. 5, which were intended for passenger use.
In their place, a commercial shop was constructed without the necessary approvals, violating multiple regulations.
The Transport Department had twice directed KTCL to demolish the illegal structure and restore the land to its original state.
Despite these directives, the tea stall was established, reducing the space available for the travelling public.
Sources allege that a former KTCL chairman facilitated the setup of tea stalls at the bus stands in Margao, Panaji, and Mapusa for the benefit of his relatives.
Addressing these allegations, Tuenkar emphasised the importance of prioritising public interest over personal gain.
“The bus-stand is not ours. It belongs to the public. Just because one is chairman we should not take advantage of the post. I am the chairman for the last two and a half years. We get an opportunity to travel out of the State by air at least four to five times in a year. But I have never claimed it only because our KTCL is running at a loss. We should not cause more loss to the corporation,” he remarked.
Tuenkar also highlighted recent efforts to improve KTCL’s finances, noting that nearly Rs 2 crore had been saved for the government.
He reiterated his commitment to addressing the tea stall issue after reviewing all relevant details.
In the meantime, a resident of Assagao has lodged a complaint with the Consumer Conciliation Committee of the Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, citing a deficiency of service by KTCL for converting bus bay no. 5 into a tea stall.
Tuenkar assured the public that justice will be delivered if any violations are found, reinforcing KTCL’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
