SIOLIM, April 20 -- ERWIN FONSECA

In the early days, when tarred roads were nonexistent and transport was minimal-limited to a lone 'Camiao' truck that made a few daily trips-traveling to Mapusa market was a distant dream for most. Bullock carts were the main means of transport, and even bicycles were rarely seen. During the Portuguese era, a single Camiao operated a few times a day to support the working class. After the Portuguese left and until the launch of the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) service by Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane in 1980, Goans had little access to public transport. In this context, weekly village markets emerged as vital commercial hubs. Villages across Bardez-including Calangute, Assonora, and Siolim-estab...