PANAJI
The Goa government has extended the validity of the Mhaji Bus Scheme by one year. In a notification, the Department of Transport stated that the validity of the “Mhaji Bus Scheme, 2025” has been extended for a further period of one year, up to May 14, 2027.
The State government had notified the revamped Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 last year, introducing a range of financial incentives to modernise the public transport system and support private bus operators.
Under the scheme, private bus operators are provided a fuel subsidy of Rs 3 per km to help offset operational costs and encourage greater participation.
The government also offers a 50 per cent reimbursement of annual vehicle insurance premiums, reducing the financial burden on operators while promoting compliance with insurance requirements.
To encourage the replacement of ageing vehicles, the scheme provides a grant of Rs 10 lakh to operators replacing buses that are 15 years old or older. The measure is aimed at improving road safety and reducing
vehicular pollution in the State.
The Mhaji Bus Scheme was originally launched to strengthen last-mile connectivity in rural and remote areas by encouraging private operators to provide public transport services.
