Powered by a charging station located at the Porvorim depot, these eco-friendly buses will operate along the outer loops of Panaji, including a designated stop at the Goa University campus.

"The growing demand for these EVs is evident from requests we've received from schools and the new directorate of accounts building staff," remarked KTC Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar during the flag-off ceremony held at the Panaji bus terminus.

With a total of 48 electric vehicles planned, the fleet will cover seven loops connecting Panaji and its surrounding areas. The initial phase will involve the deployment of two EVs in the outer loop, starting from Goa University Road immediately after Diwali.

Despite this positive development, KTC faces ongoing challenges, particularly in addressing the shortage of buses, especially for school services.

"We urgently need 200 new buses, with a substantial portion dedicated to school transportation. Our goal is to gradually phase out private buses. Currently, 66 buses have joined our fleet, and we anticipate more to follow," stated Tuenkar.

In line with this objective, KTC has initiated the decommissioning of 52 non-operational buses stationed at the Porvorim depot, completing the tender process for their scrappage.