KTC short-staffed with 177 bus conductor posts vacant

Porvorim: The state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) is facing a major manpower gap, with 177 conductor posts vacant out of a sanctioned strength of 579, the state assembly was informed on Monday. Replying to an unstarred question tabled by MLA Chandrakant Shetye, transport minister Mauvin Godinho acknowledged that shortages of buses and staff led to cancellation or irregularity of some services across Goa.

“No schedule was reduced or discontinued during the last two years due to a shortage of fleet or manpower. However, certain trips were cancelled due to operational constraints like shortages of drivers and buses. KTC is aware of cancellation and irregularities of bus services due to shortage of buses and drivers,” Godinho stated in his replies.

He further said that a proposal for the “urgent requirement of conductors and heavy vehicle drivers on a daily wage basis for operation of schedules” is submitted to govt for approval.

This is especially required since the KTC floated an e-tender for 50 additional AC electric buses under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, with delivery expected by May 2027. A separate proposal was also forwarded to procure 30 semi-luxury diesel buses with a seating capacity of 52 and above, pending administrative and financial approval from state govt.