NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Staying non-committal on the issue of new bus terminus at Margao, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar indicated that the government would not take up the construction work of the South Goa district headquarter’s much sought after new bus terminus during its tenure.
Responding to questions from Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, Dhavalikar said that the bus stand project was withdrawn from the consultant, and handed over to the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (GSIDC) in the year 2011.
“I cannot just take it back. The proposal has to come to the cabinet and the cabinet will take it back and then again hand over the project to the PWD. Only then I can take up the project,” Dhavalikar, who is also the PWD Minister said when Sardesai asked specifically if the bus stand construction would begin during this government’s tenure.
However, the Minister informed the House that the government has allocated Rs 41 crore for the construction of Panaji bus stand.
He further said that a decision on the bus stands at Curchorem, Bicholim and Quepem has not been taken, as in 2008 all the works were clubbed and handed over to a consultant.
“We will take up the works at the earliest as and when funds are available. If the Motor Vehicles Act is amended then the state will get funds for the bus stands,” he added.
Dhavalikar informed the Legislative Assembly that the Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has sought to amend the Motor Vehicles Act.
He said that the special notification post- amendment by the Parliament would enforce stricter evaluation while granting permanent licence and also have provisions to revoke licence after the third accident. The amendment would provide more powers to the state, he added.