PANAJI
The electric buses, abandoned due to ongoing Smart City projects, will finally be utilized starting April 1. The Transport Department has finalized seven colour codes for a bunch of KTCL buses, to operate on various routes within and around Panaji. This decision follows a 30-day period allotted for public suggestions, objections and views on December 28, 2023.
The notification states that the proposed service will involve operating stage carriages via buses and minibuses and featuring various types of stage carriers such as luxury and semi-luxury options (including electric vehicles), as well as electric buggies for non-motorized roads. These services will have limited stops or offer direct routes from one stop to another.
The notification also specifies that the scheme will have a maximum fleet size of 60 vehicles operating at one time under the scheme, with a minimum of 44 vehicles and at least 500 daily trips required.
The bus service under the ‘Smart City Mission’ comprises new large electric buses (49 seaters), diesel-powered mini buses (30 seaters), electrical mini buses (26 seaters), electrical micro buses (14 seaters) and electric buggies (11 seaters).
This transport service’s standard fares proposed are Rs 10 and Rs 20, depending on whether the bus is air-conditioned and luxury or not. The Notification also states that the fares will be as specified by IPSCDL and KTCL from time to time.
Several buses had been lying unused for months as the Smart City works are yet to be completed across various stretches. While deciding to not waste more time, the department finally issued the colour codes for the buses directing its operations from April 1.
