Goa's Public Transport Giant KTC Announces Major Electric Bus Expansion
The state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTC) is embarking on a significant green transition, with plans to procure 100 new electric buses this year. This strategic move aims to phase out aging diesel vehicles and substantially expand the electric fleet across the coastal state of Goa.
Proposal Awaits Financial Nod from Government
"We made the proposal and are now waiting for financial approval from the government," confirmed KTC General Manager Mahendra Pednekar in a statement. The comprehensive proposal outlines the induction of 60 nine-metre e-buses alongside an additional 40 larger 12-metre e-buses, creating a versatile fleet to serve various routes.
Charging Infrastructure and Depot Development in Ponda
To support this new fleet, charging infrastructure is tentatively planned in Ponda. A depot in the area is likely to be equipped with dedicated charging stations, ensuring operational efficiency for the expanding electric bus network.
Phasing Out Aging Diesel Buses for a Cleaner Goa
According to KTC, most of the existing diesel buses are approximately 15 years old and will be gradually phased out as part of this initiative. "We are a tourism state and we need clean energy in Goa," emphasized Pednekar, highlighting the environmental and tourism-driven motivations behind the shift.
Internal projections from KTC reveal a structured phase-out plan:
- 19 buses will complete 15 years of service by December this year.
- Another 19 buses are scheduled to reach this milestone by December 2027.
- The corporation intends to replace these aging vehicles in the near future.
- More recently, 23 buses completed 15 years in 2025, further underscoring the urgency for renewal.
Additional Electric Bus Proposal Under Central Scheme
In a parallel development, there is a proposal to introduce 87 electric vehicles under the centrally sponsored EV scheme. These buses are earmarked for deployment within a 15-kilometre radius in Panaji and its surrounding vicinity.
The fleet under this scheme will consist of a mix of nine-metre and 12-metre buses, likely in a 60:40 or 70:30 ratio. The smaller buses are specifically intended for routes that require better manoeuvrability in urban areas. Charging infrastructure for these buses is already operational at the Kadamba bus stand in Panaji, providing a ready foundation for their integration.
Current Fleet Composition and Operational Structure
KTC currently operates a diverse fleet comprising 171 electric buses and 485 diesel buses. The e-bus operations are managed by private operators engaged by KTC:
- Vyagrah City Bus Operations Pvt Ltd operates 48 e-buses.
- Evey Trans (KTC) Pvt Ltd operates 50 12-metre e-buses.
- Evey Trans (IDR) Pvt Ltd operates 73 nine-metre e-buses.
This expansion to add 100 new e-buses represents a substantial step towards modernizing Goa's public transport, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning with sustainable tourism goals. The move is poised to enhance service reliability while contributing to a cleaner environment for residents and visitors alike.
