The Central government announced that it has sanctioned 100 electric buses for the state-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation under Phase-II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme. It is understood that KTC had requested for 250 electric buses under the scheme. It is a fact that the environment-friendly e-buses for the inter-city services of the state would help protect the environment by reducing the carbon footprint as there will be zero pollution. Introducing e-buses will also go a long way in improving the efficiency of the transport service. But the bigger question is whether Goan roads are in a proper condition for these e-buses to ply on. The recent unprecedented rains have left many roads in the state battered with huge potholes appearing which look like craters. The approach roads on both sides of the Zuari Bridge, for example, are in a pathetic condition. The Goan roads in its present condition would take a toll on the e-buses which could probably be spending more time in the garages than on the roads. It is understood that the first e-bus will be commissioned by January 2021. It would be prudent for the authorities to repair all the roads in the state which are in bad condition before the first e-bus is commissioned and also maintain the roads in future.
