VALPOI
KTC buses provide an essential service to commuters, especially those in the remote areas of the State who rely on this service.
However, if and when this service becomes erratic, people in the far-flung areas are most affected.
This has been the situation confronting students and office-goers from Surla, a remote village on the border of Sattari.
According to locals, students from Surla village travel to schools in Keri and other parts of Sattari, while office-goers also use the bus service to travel to work. Surla falls in the jurisdiction of Thane Panchayat and is about 15 kms from Keri.
Children study up to SSC in the government High school located in Surla itself, but have to travel to Keri or Sankhali for further studies.
A KTC bus leaves Surla at about 7 am, transporting a number of students and office-goers. But since the last few days, locals have complained that the bus service has been erratic and is not available to take passengers to Keri.
Parents have complained that in the absence of the KTC bus service, students have been forced to stand by the roadside and wait for buses along the Goa-Belagavi route.
“They do not get buses on time and delay in getting to school. Complaints have been made in this connection, but there has been no action till date,” complained a parent from Surla.
Some locals had also raised the issue with Poriem MLA Deviya Rane and she had contacted the KTC management, directing them to ensure uninterrupted bus service. Despite her intervention, the KTC bus service in Surla continues to be erratic.
When contacted, local Panch Sonia Gaonkar said a regular bus service is vital for the village. “Locals from Surla are severely affected due to the irregular KTC bus service, since many of them have to travel to different parts of Sattari for school or work.”
“Sometimes, the bus does not return to Surla in the afternoon and students are stranded at Keri till evening. The KTC management must look into their grievances and ensure that the bus service to and from Surla is regular,” said Gaonkar.
