After much anticipation, the State government unveiled six air-conditioned electric buses (e-buses) for city routes on Monday, marking the first phase of the 48 e-buses announced for Panjim.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, and KTCL Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar officiated the launch ceremony.Sawant also mentioned plans to introduce electric rickshaws and bikes for motorcycle pilots.
The ‘Mhaji Bus’ scheme is gaining momentum, with 57 bus owners joining KTCL’s operation of private buses. Sawant assured that old buses would not be phased out.
Godinho stated that private bus operators had rejected alternate routes, so the government decided to run the new buses alongside them, letting passengers choose.
Tuenkar noted that under the Smart City Mission, 48 buses would start operating within two months, with a total of 100 buses expected in Goa eventually.
CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate emphasized the need to involve private bus operators in the transition process to avoid sudden job losses.
KTCL had proposed 48 electric buses for Panjim, with IPSCDL funding 22 buses and the State government funding 26 buses from the Rs 300 crore sanctioned for Goa’s 60th liberation anniversary.
KTCL’s smart buses will feature QR code tickets, public announcement systems, and line tracking. The fare rates are Rs 10 and Rs 20, with luxury and semi-luxury stage carriages planned. A maximum of 60 vehicles will operate at any one time.
The government’s decision to deploy 60 KTCL buses in Panjim was deferred until after the Lok Sabha elections, now set to start by July 1, 2024, as per the High Court. The Court is addressing a public interest petition on traffic issues in the city.
