Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 17: In a major push towards sustainable transport, the Goa government is considering converting Panaji Smart City, airports, railway stations, and heritage-tourism belts into mandatory electric vehicle (EV) zones.

The plan was highlighted in the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2024, published by NITI Aayog last month, which tracks EV adoption across States and Union Territories.

As part of the roadmap, all government vehicles, ferries, ambulances, PCR vans, school buses and State-run buses will gradually be shifted to EVs. Authorities are also mulling a policy where future tourist taxis and vehicle permits are granted with priority to electric vehicles.

Despite Goa securing the second rank nationally in overall EV adoption with a 13.6% adoption rate in 2024, its performance in infrastructure creation, electrification of transport, and innovation in the EV sector has been rated below expectations. The coastal State stood 15th in the IEMI rankings on overall performance.

The Aayog has suggested that Goa expand its support by offering capital subsidies and concessional land rates for public charging stations. Currently, the State provides up to ?8 lakh in subsidy to cover electricity infrastructure costs for charging units. It has also been advised to introduce e-mobility courses in ITIs for skill development.

While Goa topped the chart (100 score) in private EV adoption, along with Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra, its performance in commercial EV usage remained poor, with just 4 out of 100 score, ranking 28th in the country. The State also stood 7th in transport electrification (53), 21st in infrastructure (38), and 26th in EV research and innovation (29).