PANAJI
The Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has admitted a shortage of 200 buses, with around half of this shortage specifically impacting school transportation needs. Corporation Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar has assured to resolve this shortfall stating they intend to take proactive measures to bridge the gap in coming days.
Speaking during the inauguration of two electric buses (EVs) at the Panaji bus stand on Tuesday, he told reporters that demand for public transportation has increased in the recent past.
“There is a shortage of 200 buses. Out of these, there is a demand for around 100 buses for schools and the rest are required for other routes. The demand will also increase since the office of the Directorate of Accounts has been relocated to Porvorim from Panaji,” he said.
On Tuesday, the KTCL commissioned the two EVs for routes to Goa University via Bambolim and Goa Medical College. The delay in their launch is attributed to ongoing Smart City projects and preparations for the National Games.
Tuenkar said that these two buses are part of a larger procurement of 48 buses (12-meter, 9-meter, and 7-meter) funded by the Smart City Mission and Goa Liberation Fund. They will be operational in and around Panaji by December 15, he assured.
The Chairman further disclosed that around 52 aging KTCL buses have been disposed of and currently tendered for scrapping.
