Two Dead in Zuarinagar Minibus Tragedy: Cortalim Congress Leader Olencio Simoes Demands Action Against Transport Officials

Two Dead in Zuarinagar Minibus Tragedy: Cortalim Congress Leader Olencio Simoes Demands Action Against Transport Officials

Zuarinagar, May 11: A tragic road accident involving a privately-operated minibus in Zuarinagar on May 8 has claimed the lives of two passengers, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation of public transport in the region. The ill-fated vehicle, poorly maintained, was still plying on the roads despite being unfit for public use.

Cortalim Congress leader Olencio Simoes has come forward demanding immediate suspension of the Assistant Director of Transport in Vasco. “This is a clear case of administrative failure. How can a vehicle with such poor maintenance be allowed to operate? The transport department must be held accountable,” said Simoes.

He further expressed the growing anxiety among residents of Sancoale, highlighting that a majority of them depend on public transport to travel to Verna and Sancoale industrial estates. “Our people, especially women, face daily hardships due to the lack of reliable and safe transportation,” he stated.

A daily commuter from Sancoale, who travels to Verna Industrial Estate, voiced serious concerns about the overcrowding in these minibuses. “Sometimes there are three to four rows of standing passengers crammed into the aisle. The RTO has specified carrying capacity, but it is being blatantly ignored. During peak hours, these buses are jam-packed. If we miss one bus, the next one comes after 20 to 30 minutes, causing delays at work. This leads to pay cuts for many of us,” the commuter said.

The villagers have demanded that KTCL Chairman Shri. Ulhas Tuenkar immediately deploy Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses during peak hours, especially in the mornings and evenings, to provide a safer and more reliable mode of transportation for the working class.

Simoes further demanded that the families of the deceased be paid ex-gratia compensation, emphasizing that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the Transport Department and failure of the MVR contractor to follow standard safety protocols.

The community continues to mourn while calling for urgent systemic reforms in Goa’s public transport network.

newsbabaonline.com