Panaji: The state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTC) is set to procure 100 new e-buses this year, as part of its efforts to phase out ageing diesel vehicles and expand its electric fleet across Goa.“We made the proposal and are now waiting for financial approval from govt,” KTC general manager Mahendra Pednekar told TOI. According to him, the proposal includes the induction of 60 nine-metre e-buses and an additional 40 12m e-buses.The charging infrastructure for the fleet is tentatively planned in Ponda, where a depot is likely to be equipped with charging stations.According to the KTC, most of the existing diesel buses are around 15 years old and will gradually be phased out.“We are a tourism state and we need clean energy in Goa,” Pednekar said.As per KTC’s internal projections, 19 buses will complete 15 years of service by Dec, followed by another 19 buses till Dec 2027. The corporation plans to replace these in the near future. More recently, 23 buses completed 15 years in 2025.In addition, there is a proposal to have 87 EVs under the centrally sponsored EV scheme, wherein the buses will be deployed within a 15km radius in Panaji and its vicinity.The fleet will consist of a mix of nine-metre and 12m buses, likely in a 60:40 or 70:30 ratio, with the smaller buses intended for routes that require better manoeuvrability. Charging infrastructure is already in place at the Kadamba bus stand in Panaji for them.KTC currently operates a fleet comprising 171 e-buses and 485 diesel buses. E-bus operations are carried out by operators engaged by KTC. Out of the 171 e-buses, 48 are operated by Vyagrah City Bus Operations Pvt Ltd, while Evey Trans (KTC) Pvt Ltd operates 50 12m e-buses, and Evey Trans (IDR) Pvt Ltd operates 73 nine-metre e-buses.
