Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major push towards sustainable transport and clean energy, the Goa government is set to introduce a scheme offering up to 50 per cent subsidy on electric vehicles for licensed motorcycle pilots and auto-rickshaw operators, while also expanding the State’s EV charging network with 70 new charging stations.
The decision was taken during a meeting on Fuel Management and Sustainable Transport Strategy chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, Panaji, with officials from the Department of New and Renewable Energy (DNRE), Transport Department, Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) and other departments.
The Chief Minister directed the DNRE to prepare a comprehensive subsidy scheme to encourage existing licensed motorcycle pilots and auto-rickshaw operators to switch to electric vehicles, making clean mobility more affordable.
In another key decision, the Chief Minister instructed the department to formulate a policy for the phased replacement of diesel generator (DG) sets in industrial and commercial establishments with cleaner alternatives such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage, gas-based systems wherever feasible, and other sustainable energy technologies.
As part of the State’s public transport transition, Kadamba Transport Corporation’s diesel buses that are around 10 years old will be retrofitted with CNG engines to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.
The proposed policy will include an implementation roadmap, financial incentives, stakeholder consultations and regulatory measures to facilitate a gradual transition to cleaner energy sources.
The Chief Minister also directed the DNRE to establish 70 new electric vehicle charging stations across Goa under the PM E-Drive Scheme, significantly strengthening the State’s charging infrastructure and supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
