Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association Urges KTC to Introduce Bus Service in Merces Village

Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association Urges KTC to Introduce Bus Service in Merces Village

Merces, Tiswadi | May 15, 2025:
The Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association for Santa Cruz Constituency has once again called upon Shri Ulhas Tuenkar, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), to introduce a much-needed KTC bus service in Merces village, which remains one of the few areas in close proximity to Panaji still lacking public transport access.

In a formal letter (Ref No. SCWASCC/BUS/2) dated 14th May 2025, Association President Mr. John Nazareth highlighted the ongoing transportation challenges faced by residents, especially senior citizens, in the absence of a regular bus route.

The association had previously submitted a request (dated 09/04/2025) and met with KTC official Mr. Roque Luis, who had informed them of a trial run carried out without informing the association members. The association expressed concern that this lack of coordination, along with the claim about narrow internal roads, has led to delays in finalizing the service.

To address these issues, a revised route plan was submitted, and the association has strongly requested that a new trial be conducted in the presence of Welfare Association members for better coordination and realistic feedback from local residents.

Mr. Nazareth reminded KTC of its founding goal—to ensure affordable public transport across Goa, especially in underserved villages. “It is disappointing that Merces, just 3 km from Panaji, still has no KTC bus service,” he noted.

The association hopes for a positive response from KTC and a swift launch of the bus service, which they believe will benefit students, working professionals, and most importantly, the elderly.

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