Team Herald
VASCO: Fifty electric buses will likely run on Goan roads by April 2020, operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL).
Addressing the media here on Friday, Vasco MLA and KTCL Chairman Carlos Almeida said, “50 electric buses have been sanctioned by DHI under Fame II scheme. They will likely be operational by April next year. KTCL is taking the prudent initiative in green non-polluting transport which is a step towards lowering of pollution.”
He informed that he has submitted a proposal to the State government for 100 more electric buses — luxury and semi luxury with air conditioning.
When asked whether the bad road condition would affect these high end electric buses, Almeida said, “These buses will have high end suspension and the people will not have any bumpy experience while commuting on these buses.”
KTCL Managing Director Venancio Furtado, too, concurred with what Almeida said about the suspension.
Furtado disclosed that there will be charging points on prime locations such as near Ravindra Bhavan at Baina, Chicalim hospital, GMC etc and there will be charging points on every KTC bus stand. These electric points can also be used for the private owners for charging their electric scooters and cars.
When asked whether these buses will be operational interstate, Furtado said that with single charge one bus can up to 200 to 250 kilometres. “Therefore the idea of using it for interstate transport is viable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Almeida informed that the electric buses would be used as per OPEX model. “Electric vehicle policy draft has been prepared to make Goa pollution free,” he said.
When asked where the maintenance of these electric buses would be done, Almeida informed that the drivers of these buses would be trained and they would be able to rectify errors and repair these buses. “There will be special place depo allotted for electric buses for repair and maintenance. Around Rs 104 crore will be utilised for purchase of all these buses,” Almeida added.
