Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has revived government-supervised public bus services after a gap of 21 years with the launch of the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva and PM-eBus Sewa. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off 351 buses across seven cities on Friday.
The inaugural services include intercity and intracity bus operations in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Dewas, Katni and Bhind. The services will be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and expanded in phases across cities and districts. The fleet will include different categories of buses, including electric buses.
The PM-eBus Sewa is a central government scheme aimed at strengthening city bus operations through eco-friendly electric buses under a PPP framework. The newly launched buses are equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons, with officials stating that the service is intended to provide accessible, safe, modern and environmentally friendly public transportation.
The revival comes after the Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (MPRTC) shut down in 2005, following a winding-up process that had begun in 1995. The state government has now set a target of operating 1,500 buses during the first year, with plans to gradually extend connectivity from cities to villages and provide bus connectivity to 75 per cent of gram panchayats across Madhya Pradesh.
The longer-term target is to reach 15,000 buses by 2031. Following the first-year target, officials said around 2,500–3,000 buses could be added annually.
Addressing the launch, Gadkari highlighted the wider need for strengthening public transport in India. He said the country currently has two buses per 1,000 people, compared with a global standard of eight buses per 1,000 people. He also said the PM e-Bus Sewa would generate employment and stated that the government intends to manufacture two lakh buses over three years.
The launch represents a significant shift in Madhya Pradesh’s public transport framework, with the new model combining state-supported bus services, PPP operations and electric mobility while seeking to improve connectivity between urban centres and rural areas. (PTI)
Also Read: PM e-Bus Sewa Crosses 1 Lakh Daily Ridership, Target Set for 20 Lakh After Full Fleet Deployment
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