PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the state government is actively considering a proposal to offer a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. The initiative aims to ease daily commuting costs and encourage greater female participation in the workforce.
Speaking at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim on Saturday, Sawant said, “the benefit will be applicable across all bus services”.
“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”, he said.
Speaking further, Sawant said, “women working in industries and the private sector should benefit from safe and affordable transport. A 50% concession will reduce their financial burden”.
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 Rs 3 per kilometre operational subsidy, 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.
