VASCO
The KTC electric AC buses along the Vasco-Panaji and Airport-Calangute routes were launched on Thursday.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and KTC Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar flagged off the KTC EV buses in Vasco in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and others.
Speaking to reporters Mauvin Godinho said more EV buses were in the pipeline and his aim was to get 500 more EV buses for the State.
"We have launched some EV buses between Vasco and Panaji and there will be more shuttle buses and bigger buses as well," said Godinho.
“My aim is to get 500 more EV buses and I have asked the Centre to have all electric buses for public transportation so that we can have as many as 1,200 buses in the next five years. We have succeeded in getting sufficient EV buses for Goa after constant follow up with the centre," said Godinho.
Godinho said he had directed KTC officials to increase the number of charging stations.
"We don't have many charging stations and I have directed the KTC to ensure we have charging stations at all KTC bus stands and depots so that these buses can be charged. We should do this within the shortest possible time so that it does not cause hindrance and no buses should remain idle for want of charging," said Godinho.
KTC Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar said he had decided to have EV buses in Vasco because it was the need of the hour.
"We are launching a bus service at the Airport to help tourists arriving in the State. We have seen that in other states, there are state transportation buses at important locations like Airport, etc. but we never had this facility.”
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar said Vascokars finally got electric buses for travelling in comfort.
"I appeal to KTC to increase the frequency of buses for the benefit of students, additional buses along the Vasco-Margao sector and a direct bus to Goa University for the benefit of students from Vasco," said Salkar.
