📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann Forget
Automobile
Madhya Pradesh to Restart Public Bus Services After 21 Years
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 09:02 AM
👁 12
The Madhya Pradesh government announced the revival of its state‑run public bus network, ending a 21‑year suspension, while Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari cautioned about operational standards.
The state government of Madhya Pradesh has approved a plan to bring back its public bus network, which has been dormant for more than two decades. The decision, unveiled in a press conference, marks the first revival of state‑run passenger buses since the early 2000s.
Under the new scheme, the transport corporation will deploy a fleet of modern buses on key inter‑city and intra‑city routes, starting with Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur corridors. Funding will come from a combination of state budget allocations and central assistance, and the rollout is slated to begin in the next two months.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, present at the announcement, warned that the revived service must adhere to safety, emission and service‑quality norms. He emphasized that any lapses could jeopardise future central support for similar initiatives.
Officials expect the revived network to improve mobility for commuters, reduce private vehicle congestion and contribute to the state's environmental goals. The transport department will monitor performance closely and may expand the fleet based on passenger response.
Under the new scheme, the transport corporation will deploy a fleet of modern buses on key inter‑city and intra‑city routes, starting with Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur corridors. Funding will come from a combination of state budget allocations and central assistance, and the rollout is slated to begin in the next two months.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, present at the announcement, warned that the revived service must adhere to safety, emission and service‑quality norms. He emphasized that any lapses could jeopardise future central support for similar initiatives.
Officials expect the revived network to improve mobility for commuters, reduce private vehicle congestion and contribute to the state's environmental goals. The transport department will monitor performance closely and may expand the fleet based on passenger response.