Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 25: Nearly seven months after their launch under the Panaji Smart City Project, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) electric buses have contributed Rs 1,60,59,520 to the State exchequer, operating across 12 routes.
The Transport Department recorded a total of 16,23,272 commuters traveling on 48 e-buses, covering key routes such as Indigo Onward, Indigo Return, Violet Onward, Violet Return, Red Onward, Red Return, Orange Loop, Blue Loop, Green Onward, Green Return, Yellow Onward, and Yellow Return.
In response to an unstarred question by MLA Viresh Borkar, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho revealed that the Yellow Onward route generated the highest revenue of Rs 47,18,240. This route covers major locations, including Panaji Bus Stand, Interstate KTC Bus Stand, Mala, Neugi Nagar, St Cruz Church, GMC, Goa University, Dona Paula Circle, Miramar Beach, Panaji Market, Divja Circle, and back to Panaji Bus Stand. The Yellow Return route followed closely, bringing in ?43,64,287, while the Blue Loop and Orange Loop generated Rs 13,64,186 and Rs 10,51,609, respectively.
On three routes, e-buses operate without conductors, requiring passengers to use pole-mounted validators for payments via smart transit cards. Passengers also have the option to pay via UPI, credit/debit cards, cash, and mobile ticket validators. The Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) is being promoted as the primary mode of payment to streamline the adoption of an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS).
To ensure the financial sustainability of the Smart City e-bus operations, any gap between revenue and operational expenditure is covered through variable Gap Funding by the State Government, maintaining a no-profit, no-loss model.
The operation and maintenance costs are handled by the service operator on a per-kilometer basis, with KTCL paying Rs 47.95 per km for 12-meter e-buses, Rs 45.50 per km for 9-meter e-buses, and Rs 40.95 per km for 7-meter e-buses. Expenses related to charging, repairs, and part replacements are also managed by the operator.
With increasing commuter adoption and efficient revenue generation, Goa’s Smart City e-bus initiative is paving the way for a modern, sustainable, and technology-driven public transport system.