In a significant move to tackle persistent issues plaguing Goa's public transport network, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho convened a high-level review meeting of the coordination committee. The session was held on Thursday at the Secretariat's conference hall in Porvorim, bringing together key officials from the state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) and representatives from the private bus sector to address long-standing grievances.
Addressing Core Operational Challenges
The discussions at the meeting were candid and focused on the practical hurdles affecting daily commuter services. Central to the dialogue were the problems of route overlaps, fare-related disputes, and persistent scheduling conflicts. These issues have created friction between the two transport wings and, more importantly, have impacted the reliability of services for the people of Goa.
Minister Godinho took a firm stance on resolving the impasse. "I assured all stakeholders that these matters will be resolved in a fair and timely manner," he stated emphatically after the meeting. He further clarified the government's unified goal, saying, "Our shared objective is simple—a smooth and reliable transport system with proper facilities for the people of Goa."
Private Operators' Grievances Heard
A crucial part of the dialogue involved listening to the concerns of private bus owners. Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek, who was also present, confirmed that the authorities have taken serious note of the complaints. Private operators have consistently argued that their business is suffering due to their schedules clashing directly with KTC buses, leading to unfair competition and financial losses.
The meeting served as a platform for both sides to present their cases. Officials from KTC and the private sector representatives laid out their operational data and on-ground challenges, providing a comprehensive picture of the transport ecosystem's current pain points.
Pathway to a Smoher Transport Future
The Porvorim meeting marks a proactive step by the state transport ministry to mediate and find a balanced solution. The commitment to a "fair and timely" resolution indicates that policy interventions or revised operational guidelines may be forthcoming. The focus remains on creating a harmonious system where both public and private transport can coexist without undercutting each other, ultimately benefiting the commuter.
The success of this initiative will be measured by improved coordination, clearer route demarcations, and a more predictable schedule for Goa's residents and tourists who depend on these bus services. All eyes will now be on the follow-up actions from the transport department to translate the assurances given in the conference hall into tangible results on the road.
