State-level panel set up for PM-eBus Seva scheme

Panaji: The directorate of urban development has constituted a nine-member state-level steering committee (SLSC) to process proposals under the PM-eBus Seva scheme.The committee, chaired by chief secretary V Candavelou, includes secretaries of the power, transport, and finance departments, directors of urban development, transport, and panchayats, and the managing director of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.

The notification was issued by director of urban development Brijesh Manerkar, who will serve as the member secretary of the committee.Approved in Aug 2023, the PM-eBus Seva scheme seeks to deploy 10,000 electric buses across the country to strengthen public transport and promote e-mobility. With an estimated cost of Rs 57,613 crore, the Centre will contribute Rs 20,000 crore towards the programme.Under the scheme, eligible cities with populations of three lakh and above will submit detailed proposals to the state-level steering committee, which will forward approved plans to the Centre. Goa govt has decided to submit a proposal for the entire state, whereby govt is seeking funds for Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited to help increase the electric bus fleet. The central steering and sanctioning committee will take the final decision on sanctions.