PANAJI
The State-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has extended its e-bus service in Panaji to more routes covering the city’s internal roads including the main city area and the market area, a novelty in the capital.
At least a dozen electrical mini buses (26 seaters) and electrical micro buses (14 seaters) have been pressed into service on multiple routes: from the KTCL bus stand and coming into the city via Paryatan Bhavan, Azad Maidan, Kala Academy, Caculo circle at St Inez and back to the bus stand via the Immaculate Church and Patto Circle.
Another route where the e-bus service is put into operation is from the Panaji municipal market to Miramar, Caranzalem, Taleigao, Caculo Mall and back to the Parade Ground.
Yet another route covers Panaji bus stand, multi-level car park, Old Secretariat and onwards to Altinho via Doordarshan and Joggers Park before turning back down to the city via Factories & Boilers department, St Inez circle near Taj Vivanta, Kala Academy and back to the bus stand via the Divja circle.
Residents and the business community in Panaji meanwhile are gradually warming up to this new bus service which is a novelty in the capital.
“The buses are a good thing to happen for the city. People are still unaware of the routes, frequency and the costing. However, with passage of time, public response will improve,” said Mohan C, a shopkeeper in the CCP market area.
In total, KTCL will be operating 40-odd electric buses including large 49 seaters, mini buses which are 26 seaters, electrical micro buses which are 14 seaters and even electric buggies 11 seaters.
These buses will ply on seven routes including three which are intra-city and the balance four routes which cover the suburbs of St Cruz, Taleigao, Caranzalem-Dona Paula and also GMC Bambolim and Goa University.
