Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today said that Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) EV buses have managed to reduce the carbon emission in the state even after driving 54 lakh kilometres.
CM Sawant was addressing the gathering after flagging off 20 AC KTCL EV buses at a function held in the city.
“KTCL EV buses have reduced carbon emission by 3600 even after driving the vehicle for 54 lakh kilometres across the state. Our governments aim to make KTCL a 100 per cent EV bus operator, and by this, we can reduce carbon emission by 100 per cent,” said CM Sawant.
He further said that in the coming months, all petrol pumps across the state will have EV charging points.
“I urge people to go for EV vehicles. They help is reducing carbon emissions,” he added.
Sawant said that government will also provide subsidies to the buyers of e-vehicles and set up charging infrastructure.
Sawant said there will be a charging infrastructure on every 25 kilometres on highways. In the city, the charging stations will be on shorter distances compared to the highways.
When asked about the details of the subsidy which would be provided under the policy, he said, “Our policy is for two, three and four-wheeler e-vehicles. 30 per cent for two-wheelers, 40 for three-wheelers and up to Rs 3 lakh for four-wheelers.”
The corporation has arranged five charging stations at Margao, Panaji, Vasco and Canacona depots. These buses will cover up to 250 km on a single 4-hour long charge.
Chief Minister said in a move to tackle carbon emissions and provide a pollution-free environment in phase-I, 200 more e-buses will be introduced.
He said that “the increase in fuel cost has resulted in more people showing an interest in electric vehicles (EVs) due to their lower running costs. The Centre has been speaking of the shift to EVs and has announced that by 2030, it aims to make India a 100-per cent electric-vehicle nation. We will help the Centre in achieving the set target.”
Comment