CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Launches Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 and Fuel & Insurance Subsidy Drive in Sankhali
Sankhali | June 28, 2025 — In a landmark move to revolutionize public transportation in Goa, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today launched the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 along with the Fuel & Insurance Subsidy Drive for the Bicholim and Sattari regions. The event took place at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali, in the presence of Transport Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho and KTCL Chairman Shri Ulhas Tuenkar.
The initiative marks a significant expansion of Goa’s public transport infrastructure, targeting better connectivity, income generation for local operators, and environmentally conscious mobility.
🔑 Key Benefits of Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025:
- ✅ ₹3/km operational subsidy (approx. ₹2.2 lakh extra income per bus per year)
- ✅ ₹10 lakh one-time grant to replace ageing private buses
- ✅ 50% reimbursement on insurance premiums
- ✅ Free ticketing machines & KTCL smart card integration
- ✅ Real-time bus tracking through “Bus On The Go” mobile app
- ✅ Direct fare collection rights for bus operators
- ✅ Additional branding & ad revenue support from the Government
🚌 Modernizing Goa’s Transport Ecosystem
Speaking at the launch, CM Sawant emphasized the government’s vision for a self-reliant and tech-enabled public transport system. “The Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 is a people-centric initiative that not only modernizes our transport system but also provides financial empowerment to local bus operators,” he said.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho highlighted the integration of technology and subsidy benefits, calling the scheme “a game-changer for public mobility in semi-rural areas like Bicholim and Sattari.”
📊 Old Scheme vs. Mhaji Bus 2025:
| Feature | Old Scheme | Mhaji Bus 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Subsidy | ₹1.50/km | ₹3/km |
| Support for Bus Replacement | Not Provided | ₹10 lakh grant |
| Insurance Coverage | Full responsibility on operator | 50% premium reimbursed by Govt |
| Technology | Limited to manual ticketing | Smart ticketing + GPS tracking via app |
| Fare Collection | Through KTCL | Directly by operator |
| Branding/Ad Revenue | No provision | Govt-supported branding & ad monetization |
Impact & Vision
This bold step will help phase out old, polluting buses, provide better passenger amenities, and support local entrepreneurs in the transportation sector. It strengthens Goa’s commitment to inclusive, smart, and green mobility.
