MADHYA Pradesh is set to resume its public bus service after around two decades, with the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva scheduled to be launched on Friday. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari will flag off 351 buses at BHEL Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal. The first phase will cover Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Dewas, Katni and Bhind. Of the 351 buses, 120 will operate between cities and 231 within cities. Indore will get 145 buses, Bhopal 106, Jabalpur 67, Rewa 18, Dewas 10, Katni three and Bhind two. The State has set a target of expanding the fleet to 15,000 buses by 2031, with an initial target of 1,500 buses and an addition of around 2,500 to 3,000 buses annually thereafter. The service is planned to strengthen connectivity between urban and rural areas.

 

The buses will be monitored through an Intelligent Transport Management System and command-and-control centres. The fleet will have CCTV cameras, panic buttons and vehicle-location tracking systems, while passenger information systems will provide travel-related updates. The transport service will follow a public-private partnership model, with private operators participating in bus operations. The government plans to provide modern depot and terminal facilities while allowing operators to generate additional revenue through advertising and cargo services. On Thursday evening, CM Dr Yadav visited the Dussehra Maidan in Govindpura to review arrangements for Friday’s launch. He inspected the stage and venue and also examined the facilities and technology installed in the new buses. The Government has said the service will gradually expand public transport to more towns and villages, with a target of covering 75% of gram panchayats.