PANAJI
The Directorate of Transport has announced that the revamped Mhaji Bus Scheme will be implemented from August 1, and has asked all private stage carriage bus owners willing to participate to complete the enrolment process before the scheme comes into force.
In a public notice issued on Monday, Director of Transport Arvind Khutkar said that private bus operators must submit the prescribed application form, along with all required documents, to the office of the concerned Assistant Director of Transport before the date of implementation.
The Directorate said details of the application procedure, required documents and other related information can be obtained from the offices of the Assistant Directors of Transport during working hours. Application forms and the list of required documents have also been made available on the Transport Department's website.
The implementation follows the State government's decision to extend the validity of the Mhaji Bus Scheme, 2025 by one year. Through a recent notification, the Department of Transport extended the scheme till May 14, 2027, ensuring the continuation of financial support for private bus operators.
The revamped scheme, notified last year, offers a range of incentives aimed at modernising Goa's public transport system and improving the viability of private stage carriage services.
Under the scheme, operators are eligible for a fuel subsidy of Rs 3 per kilometre to help offset operating costs. The government also reimburses 50 per cent of the annual vehicle insurance premium, reducing the financial burden on bus owners while encouraging insurance compliance.
To accelerate fleet modernisation, the scheme provides a grant of Rs 10 lakh to operators replacing buses that are 15 years old or more, a measure intended to improve passenger safety and reduce vehicular emissions.
The Mhaji Bus Scheme was introduced to strengthen public transport, particularly last-mile connectivity in rural and remote areas, by encouraging greater participation of private bus operators through financial assistance and incentives.
