Margao: Even though the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has appointed a consultant to redevelop Margao’s old bus stand, official records reveal that no rehabilitation plan has yet been prepared for affected vendors.As per official records accessed by TOI, a survey conducted by Margao Municipal Council (MMC) in July 2024 of vendors and gaddas operating at the old bus stand identified 59 immovable gaddas and 14 movable handcarts, located around Fatima Convent, Sabina Hotel, the petrol pump, inside the stand, and opposite the police station, along with a separate cluster of omelette gaddas.However, sources confirmed that the survey report was never presented to the council before the body unanimously passed a resolution in Jan 2025 to develop and beautify the old bus stand.While no consultation has been done with the affected vendors, no rehabilitation or accommodation plan has been prepared.The old Margao bus stand occupies a total area of nearly 4,600sqm.Official correspondence accessed by TOI traces how the project gathered momentum. MMC’s then chief officer Melvyn Vaz wrote to GSIDC managing director Rohit Kadam on July 2, 2025, conveying that the chief minister had recommended GSIDC take up the old bus stand’s development — with parking and rehabilitation of gaddas on the ground floor and commercial premises on upper floors — on priority through govt funds. GSIDC followed up, seeking administrative approval and land documents, and by Nov 6, 2025, had engaged a Panaji-based consultancy firm for the project.The redevelopment project has raised concerns from the public and civic bodies about the state of the old bus stand, marked by garbage dumping, abandoned vehicles, and unhygienic conditions, resulting in a public health risk.
