Panaji: In a push towards modernising public transport in the state, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday announced that Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) will be fully digitised by January 2026 following the launch of the ‘Goa on the Go’ mobile app and geo-tagging of its bus fleet.
Speaking at the 45th foundation day of KTCL, Godinho said the move will lead to several advantages like real-time bus tracking, booking of tickets by way of digital payment options apart from individuals being able to check the expected arrival time at the bus stops.
Stating that geo-mapping of all the routes is under way to ensure accurate tracking and correct route information, Godinho said, “In due course of time, the app will be launched for ease of passengers. Before that, we will create awareness on the use of this app.”
The minister said that with introduction of the app, smart transit card for cashless travel and a smart transit pass replacing paper passes, KTCL is building a digital, cashless and transparent transport system.
Apart from providing live location updates to passengers, the new system will also strengthen KTCL’s internal operations. Godinho said an integrated depot management system will also be introduced to optimise spare parts inventory, administrative consumables and improve service schedules. “This is not just about passenger comfort but also about efficiency in running KTCL,” the minister said.
Speaking about the gradual introduction of smart city buses, he said, “Even a prominent city businessman uses the smart bus daily to go to his office.”
The Transport Minister said reforms have been brought about in the procurement process of KTCL’s e-buses. “Earlier we had Olectra, now we have brought another company on board to bring in competition and remove the delay in the supply of e-buses. In the next six months, you will see changes in KTCL. With transparency, the Corporation will see profitability,” he said.
Chairman of KTCL Ulhas Tuenkar underlined the Corporation’s commitment to service despite the financial challenges. “We have been able to give the best service. Though we are not earning profit, the government ensures timely salary support of Rs 11 crore, and our buses run on time,” he said. Tuenkar said 12% provident fund amounting to Rs 8 crore will be released this year. Also 25% arrears of the retired staff will be cleared now and the remaining 75% will be cleared by March, he said.
Stating that 280 old KTCL buses will be scrapped in the next two years, Tuencar said a tender has been floated for 100 more electric buses under the PM e-Seva Scheme. He also said that KTCL’s head office will be shifted to the central workshop at Porvorim.
