In an effort to introduce clean public transport options in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently parked as many as 20 electric buses at Cujira bus station in Bambolim. These buses not only offer a zero-emission travel option, but are also accessible to people with special physical needs.
Government officials confirmed that the 20 new buses are part of about 150 electric buses that will be running on Goa roads by the end of July. It was further emphasized that as more of these buses come into operation, benefits such as lower vehicle emissions and reduced diesel bills are likely to emerge.
Goa is considering boosting its public bus fleet by introducing more electric options and extending operating hours beyond 8pm. According to further reports, plans are also being considered to include private operators to run their buses to expand the operating base.
India is gradually moving towards electric transportation options in both public and private spaces. Several states and union territories – Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal and others have introduced electric buses into their respective public transport fleets to tighten controls on vehicle emissions. Such moves could be a shot in the arm against toxic air at a time when several Indian cities have repeatedly ranked among the notoriously polluted in the world.
(input from ANI)
First published date: May 19, 2023 at 10:44 AM CST
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