Ramesh Savaikar
Bicholim: Residents of Bicholim town have raised concerns over the slow progress of the new KTC bus stand project, which began three years ago at an estimated cost of Rs 18 crore. Despite repeated appeals by social workers and Congress block office bearers to the authorities concerned, the reasons for the delay remain unclear, leaving the public anxious for its completion.
The delay has caused significant traffic chaos in the town. The temporary bus stand in use lacks sufficient parking space for buses, leaving passengers waiting without shelter. Rickshaws and motorbikes parked along the roadside exacerbate the situation, making navigation challenging for commuters and vehicles. Social worker Cajetan Vaz said that traffic congestion worsens during peak hours, particularly when labourers gather between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and in the evenings. He suggested deploying traffic police during these times to ease the flow of vehicles.
Shopkeepers displaced from the old bus stand building are also feeling the pinch. Allotted stalls of just three square meters, they say the space is insufficient for their businesses. “We’ve lost our livelihood for the past three years,” said one shopkeeper. They are urging the authorities to expedite the project and provide adequate shop space in the new bus stand.
Former Bicholim Congress block president Arjun Parab has called on the local MLA to take up the matter on a priority basis. He said that there is need for follow-ups to ensure the project is completed soon and for arrangements to be made for rickshaw and bike pilot stands to address the current traffic problems.
