Transport Min cites ageing diesel fleet; ₹12.45 cr spent on maintenance
PANAJI
The State government has admitted a rise in Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) bus breakdowns even as it continues to upgrade maintenance systems and strengthen fleet protocols.
In a written reply to an unstarred question tabled by MLA Viresh Borkar, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho informed the Legislative Assembly that 808 KTCL buses reported breakdowns in 2024-25, compared to 682 in 2023-24 and 689 in 2022-23.
“KTCL has recorded a marginal rise in the number of bus breakdowns over the last three years,” reads the reply, which further explains that maximum faults have been reported in the engine, followed by issues with the electrical and transmission systems, and road wheels.
Brake-related breakdowns stood at 39 in 2022-23, 42 in 2023-24, and 61 in 2024-25; while the other three faults were above 100 each.
As of July 11, 2025, KTCL’s non-electric (diesel) fleet comprises 483 vehicles, of which 423 are operational while 60 are off-road. The average age of these buses is nine years and three months.
“All KTCL buses are deployed only after necessary repairs, preventive maintenance, and renewal of fitness certificates as per Motor Vehicle Rules,” the minister added.
On spare parts, Godinho informed the House that KTCL maintains an inventory valued at approximately Rs 4 crore. Currently, KTCL operates four depots and one central workshop, with a new depot in Sanquelim in the process of being operationalised.
Further, the minister said the Directorate of Transport is working on the redevelopment of bus stands at Panaji, Margao, and Mapusa. The Vasco bus stand is also set to be redeveloped under the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), under the guidance of the High Powered Committee of the Finance Department.
Godinho also stated that KTCL has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an integrated management system aimed at reducing the Corporation’s carbon footprint and enhancing real-time operational efficiency.
“KTCL conducts daily checks and preventive maintenance of its fleet. Fitness certification is carried out by the Regional Transport Office in accordance with the law,” he said.
On electric buses, Godinho clarified that these are maintained by third-party operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, and hence KTCL does not maintain data on their warranty claims. However, the Corporation continues to process warranty claims for its diesel buses, unless they are covered under AMCs.
The total expenditure on repairs and maintenance over the last three years was Rs 9.26 crore in 2022-23, Rs 10.64 crore in 2023-24, and Rs 12.45 crore (unaudited) in 2024-25.
