Vijai Sardesai opposes PPP plan for Margao bus stand redevelopment

Panaji: Goa Forward Party chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has opposed govt’s proposal to redevelop the Kadamba bus stand at Margao into a bus port and business complex under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, alleging a lack of transparency and consultation with stakeholders.

Sardesai said the project, which includes 36 bus bays and 90 parking spots for idle buses, falls short of future requirements. “At present, 150 buses are parked at the stand. If we want to be future-ready, we need space for at least 250 buses,” he said.

He raised concerns over the govt’s plan to allow a private concessionaire to operate the proposed 30,000 sqm business complex for 60 years. “Does this govt want to build a bus stand or a mall? It seems more interested in creating a shopping complex than addressing transport needs,” Sardesai said.

The MLA recalled that chief minister Pramod Sawant assured him on the floor of the House that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence before the project moved ahead. He demanded a stakeholder consultation before finalisation of the plan.