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The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has introduced three new luxury inter-state bus routes connecting Goa to Ballari and Indi in Karnataka, and Admapur near Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Many users of these routes are migrant workers travelling between Goa and neighbouring states. One service runs from Panaji to Admapur, while another connects Mapusa and Panaji to Ballari, restoring the Hubballi-Hospet link after nearly a decade. A third route serves Indi from Panaji. The expansion supports rising demand for affordable, comfortable travel and follows KTC's addition of 50 new buses to its fleet. With fewer stops and upgraded buses, the services aim to offer more reliable, convenient inter-state connectivity.
The KTC has rolled out three new luxury inter-state bus routes departing from Goa. These routes connect Goa to Ballari and Indi in Karnataka, as well as to Admapur near Kolhapur in Maharashtra. A significant portion of the commuters on these routes are migrant workers residing and working in Goa. Advertisement
One of the routes starts from Panaji (Goa) and goes to Admapur via Sawantwadi, Amboli, Ajara and Uttur the bus leaves Panaji at 3 pm, while the return journey departs Admapur at 6.30 am. Another route links Mapusa and Panaji to Ballari via Dharwad, Hubballi, Gadag, Koppal, Hosapete and Hampi thereby reconnecting the Hubballi-Hospet region after nearly ten years without KTC services. The third route services the Panaji region to Indi, via appropriate way-points through Karnataka.
KTC stated this network expansion is part of its effort to enhance inter-state bus services, especially to cater to the growing demand for affordable and comfortable travel across state borders. The launch follows a recent move by KTC to add 50 new buses to its interstate fleet which included AC sleeper coaches, semi-luxury and luxury models aimed at replacing ageing vehicles and improving service quality.
Historically, KTC has focused on intra-state bus services in Goa since its formation in 1980. In recent years it has also introduced AC sleeper and luxury buses on interstate routes, such as the Mapusa-Bengaluru and Margao-Pune services earlier this year. The current market environment with many migrant labourers travelling between Goa and neighbouring states makes enhanced connectivity especially timely.
By introducing these new routes with fewer stops, upgraded seating (2+2 layout luxury buses), and direct links to major labour-origin regions, KTC aims to improve reliability and convenience for daily and seasonal travellers. Experts say such connectivity can help reduce dependence on unregulated private transport and potentially influence regional labour mobility patterns.
KTC officials noted that the Hubballi-Hospet route had been neglected for nearly a decade and that its revival may act as a pilot for further network expansion. They encouraged passengers to book early and pointed out that the new services also align with the state government's goal of improving public transport infrastructure.
For passengers, this means options for better-conditioned travel, clearer schedules, and direct links to key destinations in neighbouring states. Users are advised to check departure times and route details at KTC booking counters or online platforms, since these luxury services may fill up quickly.
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