Goa plans up to 50% EV subsidy for bike taxi, autorickshaw operators
The Goa government is planning to offer a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on electric vehicles for licensed motorcycle pilots and autorickshaw operators
The Goa government is planning to offer a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on electric vehicles for licensed motorcycle pilots and autorickshaw operators as part of its push to accelerate the transition to clean mobility. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the proposal while chairing a high-level meeting on the state's sustainable transport strategy on Friday. As part of the initiative, the state will also install 70 new electric vehicle charging stations under the Centre's PM E-Drive Scheme, promote cleaner energy adoption in industrial and commercial establishments, and retrofit ageing diesel buses operated by the state-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) with compressed natural gas (CNG) engines.
Read Full Story According to an official statement, Sawant directed the Department of New and Renewable Energy to finalise the subsidy scheme for existing licensed motorcycle pilots and autorickshaw operators to facilitate their shift from petrol-powered vehicles to EVs. He also asked the department to prepare a policy for the phased replacement of diesel generator sets used by industrial and commercial establishments. The proposed policy will encourage the adoption of battery energy storage systems, solar photovoltaic systems integrated with battery storage, gas-based systems wherever feasible, and other sustainable energy technologies.
Sawant directed officials to include a clear implementation roadmap, financial incentives, stakeholder consultations and regulatory measures to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy sources. In addition, diesel-powered KTC buses that are around a decade old will be retrofitted with CNG engines to reduce emissions. The proposed EV subsidy, expansion of charging infrastructure, cleaner energy policy for industries and commercial units, and retrofitting of public buses form part of Goa's broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transport across the state.
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