Digital Goa, Oct 29 – Total of 22 electric buses are likely to start plying across 7 routes in Panaji from next week under the Smart City project, easing traffic woes of commuters. KTC chairman Ulhas Tuemkar informed that of the 48 EV buses which are proposed to be put into service in the capital city, 22 will start operations from next week. The EV buses have been procured from Haryana-based PMI Electro Mobility. The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Corporation (IPSCDL) will pay Rs 38 crore for 22 buses, while the state is expected to pay Rs 49 crore for the remaining 26 buses from the Rs 300 crore sanctioned by the Union government for the celebration of 60 years of Goa’s Liberation.
▪️ KTC short of 200 buses
KTC is short of 200 buses and efforts are on to procure 150 buses by Dec-Jan, informed Tuemkar. Delivery of 100 buses was delayed as battery delivery from China was delayed, he said adding that the issue has been resolved now. In addition tender has been issued for 50 more buses, he added.
▪️ No takers for Mhaji bus scheme in North Goa
Tuemkar also informed that 66 private bus oerators have opted for Mhaji bus scheme in South Goa while no bus operator has taken the scheme in North Goa. Under the scheme private buses are run through KTC on rent per kilometre basis.
