PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the state government is actively considering a 50% concession on bus fares for women working in the private sector, in a move aimed at encouraging more women to join the workforce by easing the burden of daily commute expenses. “The benefit will be applicable across all bus services,” the Chief Minister said.
Speaking at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim today, Sawant said the scheme will also extend 50% fare concessions to students, while general passengers opting for the upcoming bus card system will receive a 20% discount on fares.
“Women working in industries and the private sector should benefit from safe and affordable transport. A 50% concession will reduce their financial burden,” Sawant stated, adding that a stronger public transport network could help prevent tragedies such as the hit-and-run incident in Valpoi, in which a woman working in Human Resources lost her life just a day before.
The Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025, he said, is designed to improve Goa’s public transport ecosystem while simultaneously empowering private bus operators. “As part of the initiative, we are offering a Rs 3 per kilometre operational subsidy, a Rs 10 lakh grant for replacing old buses, and 50% reimbursement on insurance premiums up to Rs 30,000 per year,” Sawant said.
Participating operators will also be allowed to retain 100% of fare revenue and will receive free Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) with real-time tracking via the KTCL mobile app. “All buses will be repainted and uniformly branded, and will have trained conductors and coordinated routes with KTCL services,” Sawant added.
To further support transporters, the Chief Minister said the government will clear pending dues from the previous phase of the Mhaji Bus scheme. “Fifty per cent of the outstanding payments will be made immediately, and the rest within two months,” Sawant assured.
He further clarified that existing private operators will not be left behind in the transition to the upgraded system. “We will support them through fuel subsidies, installation of tracking devices, digital ticketing systems, and even provide opportunities for on-bus advertising,” Sawant said.
The Transport Department, he added, is working on setting up a monthly reporting and reimbursement system to ensure smooth functioning and accountability. “I appeal to bus owners to join the Mhaji Bus Scheme, which offers annual benefits of over Rs 2.5 lakh and access to better technology and infrastructure, making it a win-win for all,” Sawant said.
