the goan I network
PORVORIM
In an ambitious push towards eco-friendly public transportation, the Centre has sanctioned 50 new electric buses to be added to the fleet of Kadmaba Transport Corporation (KTC) and to be made operational by November end.
These 50 new electric buses, which are priced at Rs 2.3 crore apiece, will be supplied and operated on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) basis, stated KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida on Wednesday.
He was addressing a news conference at Porvorim in the presence of KTC Managing Director Venacio Furtado, General Manager Sanjay Ghatge, Directors Mahanand Asnodkar and Shivdas Shirodkar.
“The Centre has also sanctioned 25 charging stations, of which 16 will be installed at 16 Kadamba depots. Apart from KTC buses, private four-wheeler, three-wheeler and two-wheeler e-vehicles will also be charged at these charging stations.”
“The KTC had requested the central government to provide 250 electric buses under FAME phase II scheme, but the Centre granted approval for 50 e-buses,” said Almeida.
The KTC chairman said these buses would operate on PPP basis and KTC would invite tenders from private parties to supply and operate the buses, adding that tenders quoting lowest price kilometre would be accepted and a proposal would be sent to the Central for action.
“The sanction of 50 e-buses is the result of the central government’s initiative. A special training session would be conducted for drivers inducted to drive these e-buses on long routes,” said Almeida.
