PANAJI
The Mhaji Bus scheme, launched on a pilot basis in August 2023 -- a bid to improve public transportation in rural Goa -- has been extended by three months as the Goa government plans to review the project.
During the trial run, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) reportedly generated around Rs 34 lakh with the scheme being operated on a revenue-sharing model. Sources revealed that a report will be submitted to the government by November-end after the extended period.
“The pilot phase for six months was extended due to the code of conduct and it concluded in August this year. We extended the scheme once again, for three months till mid-November. A report will be submitted to the government for further evaluation of this scheme,” a senior official from the Ministry of Transport told The Goan.
A total of 57 buses are currently operating across routes in Canacona, Quepem and other parts of South Goa, targeting the remote areas where public transportation is a challenge including during the evening hours.
As per the scheme, the private bus operators, who tied up with the KTCL, are paid an average of Rs 34 per km with a minimum distance guarantee of around 180 km per day. “Payments to private bus drivers and conductors are made based on the distance covered, and any balance is paid as a subsidy to the bus operators,” the official said. KTCL is also reviewing unprofitable routes and may eliminate loss-making services.
Meanwhile, the State is set to receive an additional fleet of 57 electric buses by December, which will replace some of the current diesel buses, which are nearing end of their commercial lifespan.
Around 144 EV buses are currently operational including those on Panaji's internal routes under the Smart City mission. Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech Limited, responsible for delivering the remaining buses, is expected to meet the order by year-end.
The company was recently fined Rs 2 crore for delays in supplying EV buses to KTCL as the Corporation acknowledged the delay and stated that the fine would be adjusted in the company’s bill. Olectra was awarded Rs 140 crore contract to supply 100-odd electric buses to KTCL in January 2024.
