Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 4: Four years after the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) introduced hydraulic wheelchair lifts at the Panaji bus terminus as part of its accessible transport initiative, the equipment remains unused and has reportedly been left rusting at the bus stand, drawing criticism from disability rights activists.

The hydraulic lifts were unveiled on March 17, 2022, with plans to equip 145 buses in the KTCL fleet to facilitate easier boarding for wheelchair users. However, the initiative has not progressed beyond the initial demonstration.

Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) president Avelino D'Sa said the delay amounts to a violation of statutory obligations under disability rights legislation.

"Under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and now the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it is mandatory for public places, streets and public transport to be accessible for persons with disabilities," D'Sa said.

He recalled that a group of law students had approached the High Court in 2005-06 over the lack of accessible public transport in Goa.

"At that time, Kadamba Transport Corporation gave an undertaking before the High Court that it would introduce five wheelchair-accessible buses," he said.

According to D'Sa, the commitment remained unfulfilled despite KTCL purchasing several new buses over the years. Disability rights activists again approached the High Court around 2020-21, pointing out that the undertaking had not been implemented.

"The matter was referred for mediation through the Goa State Legal Services Authority, where KTCL proposed installing hydraulic lifts and making its buses accessible as required under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016," he said.

D'Sa said only one hydraulic lift was eventually installed at the Panaji bus stand.

"Unfortunately, till date, they have only installed a hydraulic lift at the Panaji bus stand. We are shocked to learn that even this facility is not being put to use," he said.

He added that another petition on accessible public transport is currently pending before the High Court.

"There is now another petition filed by a person with disability before the High Court regarding accessible buses, not only for wheelchair users but also for persons with visual impairment and other disabilities. Kadamba Transport has to take this matter seriously. The government must also act because crores of rupees are being provided as grants to KTCL. Making public transport accessible is mandatory," D'Sa said.

Responding to the issue, KTCL Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar said he would examine the matter.

"I will check and conduct an inquiry," Tuenkar said.