Panaji, April 29, 2025: The Panaji Smart City E-Bus project has emerged as a model for sustainable and digitally empowered urban transportation. Under the Smart Public Transit initiative, a total of 48 electric buses — ranging from 12-meter to 7-meter variants — have been deployed across key locations in Panaji. These buses operate on seven high-frequency loop routes covering prominent areas such as Central Panaji, Mala, Bhatlem, Altinho, Taleigao, St. Cruz, Bambolim, Dona Paula, and Cujira.
Supporting this transition to electric mobility are ten strategically placed charging stations — eight at Porvorim and two at Campal — along with a smart transit card and a digital ticketing app that facilitate seamless commuting.
From July 2024 to March 2025, over 16.92 lakh passengers utilized the E-Bus services, covering a total of 8.77 lakh kilometers. Revenue increased from ₹6.49 lakh in July 2024 to ₹27.24 lakh in March 2025. The system has significantly contributed to sustainability, reducing CO₂ emissions by 66.5 tons per month. A total of 19,533 smart cards have been issued by KTCL and IPSCDL, indicating a strong shift toward cashless, tech-enabled mobility.
The transformation of four major routes into conductor-less corridors has played a pivotal role in driving digital adoption.
On the Red Route (Panjim Market–Taleigao–Dona Paula–Panaji Bus Stand), where three of six buses operate without conductors, digital revenue rose from ₹14,892 in January 2025 to ₹60,131 in March 2025 — a 304% increase. Passenger count rose 33% from February (7,858) to March (10,429). The EPKM for March 2025 was ₹10.
The Indigo Route (Bhatlem–St. Cruz) saw digital revenue rise from ₹77,896 in February to ₹1,56,304 in March 2025. Despite temporary road closures, passenger count increased from 8,612 in February to 16,420 in March. EPKM stood at ₹8.
The Orange Route (Mala–Taleigao) recorded steady growth, with digital revenue reaching ₹1,28,274 in March 2025. Passenger numbers increased from 11,591 in February to 12,065 in March, with an EPKM of ₹11.
The Green Route (Altinho–Church Square) maintained stable performance with an EPKM of ₹13 for March 2025 and consistent digital revenue growth post-conductor-less implementation.
Meanwhile, routes still operating with onboard conductors also demonstrated encouraging growth.
The Yellow Route (Miramar–Dona Paula–Bambolim), with 10 buses, saw digital revenue grow from ₹10 in July 2024 to ₹2,05,689 in March 2025. Passenger volume surged from 49,316 in July to 1,23,882 in March, with a cumulative ridership of 9.3 lakh. EPKM in March stood at ₹28.
The Blue Route (Central Panaji), served by 5 buses, recorded a rise in digital revenue from ₹960 in August 2024 to ₹51,662 in March 2025. Passenger numbers grew from 4,556 to 25,228 during this period, totaling 1.82 lakh riders, with an EPKM of ₹18.
The Violet Route (Mala–St. Inez), with 6 buses, saw digital revenue increase from ₹60 in August 2024 to ₹83,758 in March 2025. Passenger traffic rose from 462 to 35,602, totaling 2.01 lakh riders. EPKM in March stood at ₹15.
The remaining Red Route segment (Panjim Market–Taleigao–Dona Paula–Panaji Bus Stand), with three conductor-operated buses, recorded steady digital growth from ₹530 in August 2024 to ₹41,119 in March 2025. Ridership rose from 5,938 to 17,685, with total passengers exceeding 1.12 lakh and an EPKM of ₹13 in March 2025.
Commenting on the progress, Sanjit Rodrigues, CEO & MD of IPSCDL, said:
“Panaji is embracing a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. The public’s response to electric buses and digital payments has exceeded expectations, paving the way for a scalable model for other cities.”
Looking ahead, the Panaji Smart City team plans to expand conductor-less services, upgrade digital ticketing systems, and integrate last-mile electric mobility to further enhance the urban commuting experience.
