Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa’s first electric buses, operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), is likely to resume functioning by August 23, months after it stopped plying owing to the second wave of COVID-19.
Of 30 e-buses delivered to the KTCL, 10 were in operation for around 45 days until COVID-19 forced the State government to impose curfew and restrictions. The Corporation’s plan to commence operations of the remaining 20 buses during this period was also stalled.
The AC e-buses are confined to its respective depots since then but with restrictions relaxed over the past few weeks, the KTCL is gearing up to restore operations of the newly introduced public transport by August-end. “There was a fear on the possibility of transmitting the virus while travelling in the AC buses. The government had also imposed restrictions on travelling by exempting only two categories — those going for work and for medical emergencies,” KTCL Managing Director Derrick P Neto told Herald.
Even as the government gradually relaxed restrictions, operating with 50 per cent capacity was not feasible. “We will however resume operations also because we are receiving enquiries from the college students,” he said.
The State currently has one charging station at Margao comprising of 24 charging points out of which 15 are currently active. Neto said two buses can be charged from each point.
The KTCL will also add local and shuttle routes to the existing ones which also includes rural Goa. The inter-State route till Karwar will commence once restrictions from the Karnataka government is lifted, an official said. Each e-bus can reportedly ply 220 kms in one charge.
The 30 buses are a part of Fame India Scheme wherein the KTCL was to receive 50 e-buses. The balance 20 buses are expected to arrive in October followed by operations on new routes including inter-State.
