The cabinet has approved a proposal from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni to invest INR 700 crore in introducing electric buses to Goa’s public transport system, according to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Ulhas Tuenkar, chairman of the state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTCL), welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to revitalize the transport sector.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the IIT alumni have pledged an investment of INR 700 crore to revitalize Goa’s public transport system, with the cabinet granting approval for the initiative. Sawant informed PTI that the government plans to roll out 500 electric buses as a key component of this initiative.
Tuenkar acknowledged that KTCL’s current fleet, which includes both its own and private buses, is insufficient to meet the growing demand. “This move will help revive KTCL. Discussions on the deployment of the buses are ongoing, and once they are operational, we can reopen non-operational routes and resume interstate services that have been halted due to our aging fleet,” he explained.
Currently, KTCL operates 500 diesel buses and 48 electric buses under Mission Smart City, in addition to 54 electric buses from Olectra, which began service three years ago.
