Panaji, Goa: In a special initiative catering to the spiritual aspirations of the faithful, Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) has announced special pilgrimage trips to Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. These trips are timed to align with the upcoming Velankanni Festival, celebrated annually in early September and attracting thousands of devotees from across India.
Velankanni, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the country. KTCL’s dedicated transport service ensures a safe, affordable, and comfortable journey for pilgrims, particularly from Goa and neighboring regions.
The initiative reflects KTCL’s commitment not just to transportation but also to supporting faith tourism and cultural connections. Devotees can now travel worry-free, with professionally managed itineraries, experienced drivers, and essential facilities in place.
The launch of this spiritual travel service also encourages inter-state tourism and strengthens Goa’s role as a hub for devotional outreach.
Interested pilgrims can visit the official KTCL website or contact their nearest Kadamba depot for bookings and detailed schedules.
“Faith is the fuel, and KTCL is the route to reach it.”
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Panaji, July 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing public transport connectivity, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has rolled out 50 brand-new diesel buses to bolster interstate routes and phase out older, ageing vehicles from its fleet. The initiative aligns with KTC’s broader strategy to modernize its services and offer passengers a safer, more comfortable, and reliable travel experience.
These have already been deployed on at least 10 interstate routes, connecting Goa to major destinations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and even extending to Hyderabad. The move comes as KTC looks to address rising demand while retiring buses that have been in operation for up to 15 years.
“Our goal is to provide safe, comfortable, and reliable services for passengers travelling long distances,” a senior KTC official said. “Phasing out the old fleet and bringing in modern buses will improve our service quality and efficiency.”
KTC currently operates over 450 diesel buses, many of which are nearing the end of their operational life. Officials confirmed that over 100 buses will be decommissioned over the next two years, with replacements either procured by the corporation or hired through private contractors.
While KTC remains committed to transitioning towards electric mobility, the infrastructure has yet to catch up. Currently, charging stations are operational only in Margao, Campal, and Porvorim, limiting the deployment of e-buses for wider routes.
“The lack of charging infrastructure is a significant barrier,” the official noted. “Until we have a state-wide charging network, diesel buses remain essential for uninterrupted service.”
In the interim, KTC is exploring the use of private diesel buses to bridge gaps in service and maintain route frequencies across long-distance and interstate travel lines.
The addition of these new buses is already being felt by daily commuters and long-distance travellers. Passengers can expect:
Improved seating comfort and onboard amenities
Reduced breakdowns and delays
Enhanced safety features
Greater frequency on popular routes
As the transport body gears up for a gradual but steady transformation, the focus remains clear—serving the public with dependable and upgraded mobility solutions.
KTC’s continued investment in new vehicles, combined with plans for electric adoption in the future, underscores the government’s long-term commitment to accessible, eco-friendly, and efficient public transport across Goa and beyond.
