NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the petitioner, Radhakrishna Salgaonkar, in a matter concerning overcrowding of buses on the Anjuna-Assagao-Mapusa route, to examine the impact of additional bus services, if provided, and to make further submissions on the next date of hearing.
The directions were issued in a public interest litigation highlighting the lack of adequate transportation facilities for students of DMC College and School.
The petitioner has contended that severe overcrowding in buses has caused hardship to students, alleging that girl students in particular face harassment and improper touching due to congested conditions.
The court was informed that a meeting of stakeholders was held on January 9, 2026, to address the issue, which was also attended by the petitioner. Counsel appearing for the State government and the Kadamba Transport Corporation submitted that after the filing of the PIL, one additional bus service was introduced on the route. However, they said the service was operating with only around 50 per cent occupancy, as most students were opting for private transport services. They further submitted that adding more buses on the route was neither technically feasible nor financially viable at present.
In view of these submissions, the High Court directed the petitioner to assess the effect of the additional bus service and place further material before the court. The petition has been listed for further hearing on February 23, 2026.
The PIL has also raised safety concerns, stating that the route includes steep descents, sharp curves, ongoing construction work and a valley, and that overcrowded buses pose a serious risk of accidents.
It further states that during peak hours, students are forced to travel hanging from bus doors and standing inside drivers’ cabins.
