Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: he Goa government has officially notified the revamped Mhaji Bus Scheme for 2025, aimed at revitalizing the local bus transport sector by providing enhanced financial support and incentives to bus owners and operators.
The key highlights of the new scheme include a fuel subsidy of Rs 3 per kilometer to help operators manage rising fuel costs, a 50% reimbursement on annual vehicle insurance, and a grant of Rs 10 lakh for replacing buses that have completed 15 years of service.
These measures are designed to encourage modernization of the fleet, promote safety, and improve the quality of public transport services across Goa.
The Mhaji Bus Scheme was first introduced by the Goa government as a welfare measure to support local bus operators, commonly referred to as ‘Mhajis,’ who form the backbone of Goa’s public transport system. Many of these operators run small to medium-sized buses serving rural and semi-urban areas, often facing challenges like rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and aging vehicles.
With the previous scheme offering limited financial aid, many operators struggled to upgrade their fleets, impacting service quality and safety. Recognizing these issues, the government undertook a comprehensive review and revamped the scheme to offer more substantial subsidies and incentives.
“The revamped Mhaji Bus Scheme is part of our broader vision to strengthen public transportation, reduce the environmental impact by encouraging newer vehicles, and provide better services to commuters,” said a senior official from the Transport Department.
The new scheme is expected to ease operational costs for operators, enabling them to maintain better vehicles and improve overall service reliability.
Applications for the revamped scheme will be invited soon, with detailed guidelines to be announced by the Transport Department.
