MP set to relaunch public bus service after two decades: How it'll run
The Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) used to be one of the biggest companies under the state government until years of alleged political interference and corruption in bus deals and permits bled it dry. The state became one without a public road transport entity, and the entire bus transport system in urban and inter-city sectors fell in private hands.
September 25 promises a new beginning when chief minister Mohan Yadav launches the CM Sugam Transport Service, a public-private partnership (PPP) transport service. Under this, 351 buses would be launched and operated from seven cities. Of these, 120 will be inter-city and the remaining for city travel.
By 2031, the state government plans to have 15,000 buses under the service, aiming to ferry 3 million passengers every day, besides creating 180 modern bus stops. The government also plans to encourage electric buses with an eye on the future of transportation. By 2031, the target is also to connect by bus services two-thirds of the over 20,000 gram panchayats in the state.
The CM Sugam Transport Service would be managed through what is termed as an intelligent transport management system. It will involve a holding company, MP Passenger Transport Management Ltd, and seven associated firmsβthese seven will be headquartered in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bhind, Katni and Dewas. A command and control centre will monitor bus routes, time compliance, location, speed, etc. The buses will be provided by private operators, who stand to also earn revenue through advertising.
At its peak, MPSRTC had a fleet of 2,700 buses and not only connected the stateβs districts, tehsils and villages but also provided buses in cities for schools. By 2005, when it officially shut down, the fleet had downsized to 850.
