Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday flagged off 20 electric buses at Bambolim to set the ball rolling for an affordable environment-friendly transport option for people in the state.

Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who was present on the occasion, said that by the end of July  this year, 150 electric buses will be made available for the public transport system. The electric buses which will help to reduce vehicle emissions are also disabled-friendly.

The project taken up under the Smart City initiative, represents a significant step towards the electrification of public transportation in the State and will provide people with an affordable and efficient transportation option,  Chief Minister Sawant said.

He also announced that private buses would be incorporated into the system to ensure continued bus services beyond 8 p.m.

The Goa government has plans to set up charging stations at every petrol pump and all government premises by next year.

The electrification of local transport in the state that is a tourist hotspot is also seen as an environment-friendly move that will help fight climate change.