Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant officially flagged off 20 electric buses, easy accessibility for Divyangs today at the Cujira Bus Stop, Bambolim. The project, initiated under the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd, represents a significant step towards the electrification of public transportation in the State. The initiative is aimed at providing affordable and improved transport facilities to the people of Goa.
Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering cost-effective and efficient transportation options. He announced that private buses would be incorporated into the system, connecting all villages to cities and institutions, ensuring continued bus services beyond 8 p.m. Furthermore, the Chief Minister outlined the government’s plans to establish charging stations at every petrol pump and government premises by next year. Additionally, a QR code ticketing system for all buses will be implemented in the coming days, while the bus stands in Vasco, Margao, Panaji, and Mapusa will undergo modernization, he added.
Transport Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho informed that by the end of July, 150 electric buses will be made available to passengers. He also announced the installation of Sentinel Cameras, from 1st June onwards for enhanced security. Taxi owners and drivers will undergo an orientation program, after which they will be issued a badge, ensuring a more organized and regulated taxi service, he added.
Distinguished guests present at the event included Shri Rodolfo Fernandes, M.L.A. Santa Cruz; Shri Rohit Monserrate, Mayor, Corporation of City of Panaji; Shri Sanjeev Naik, Dy. Mayor; Smt. Mamu Hage, IAS Collector, North Goa and MD of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited, Shri Derrick Neto, MD Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited, Shri Kritesh Gaonkar, Vice Chairman of KTCL; Shri Rajan Satardekar, Director of Transport; Smt Ujwala Naik, Director KTCL; Shri Kapil Sardesai, Director KTCL; Bayo Bhandari, Director, KTCL; and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
Welcoming the guests, Shri Ulhas Y. Tuenkar, M.L.A. Navelim & Chairman KTCL, expressed his gratitude, while Vice President of PMI, Shri Sanjay Nagpal, proposed the vote of thanks.
PMI Electro Mobility, India’s largest electric bus manufacturer, played a pivotal role in this project. The company successfully delivered 20 electric buses to Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL). These buses boast various innovative features, including accessibility for Divyang individuals, air suspension for passenger comfort, modernized ITMS-5 cameras, panic buttons, PIS displays, automated digital fare collection, and wide gangways for efficient city bus operations.
Furthermore, ITMS features on bus shelters offer real-time bus arrival information on both the bus-stop displays and passenger mobile applications. The digital, paperless ticketing system incorporates QR codes for convenient ticketing options. Passengers can also access self-ticketing kiosks at each bus shelter, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The buses provide real-time route monitoring and display next bus stop information, both inside the bus and at the bus shelter.
