Lucknow, February 28: In a significant push to improve rural connectivity, the Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to introduce 1,540 new bus routes aimed at serving previously unconnected villages across the state. Daya Shankar Singh, UP Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge), shared this information during the ongoing Budget Session in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Friday.
Currently, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates a fleet of 12,325 buses. Out of these, 9,373 buses are owned by UPSRTC, while 2,952 buses run under private contracts. Minister Singh noted that these buses play a crucial role in linking rural communities to nearby blocks, tehsils, and district headquarters, significantly improving public transportation accessibility.
Highlighting the importance of the new routes, Singh said, "The introduction of 1,540 new bus routes will directly benefit around 28,000 villages currently underserved by public transport."
Major Fleet Expansion and Modernisation Plans
The transport minister also detailed the government's comprehensive strategy for upgrading the state's public transport infrastructure. Between the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25, the government has undertaken the procurement of 6,138 new buses under capital investment, marking the largest-ever purchase initiative in the department’s history. Significantly, 3,000 of these new buses are specifically allocated to support transportation needs during the upcoming Kumbh Mela.Responding to queries from SP MLA Pankaj Malik regarding dilapidated buses, Singh clarified that buses identified as unfit or reaching auction eligibility criteria are being regularly phased out and replaced with new models. While the usual replacement policy dictates buses should retire after 10 years or upon crossing 11 lakh kilometres, repairs occasionally allow extended operation up to 15 years.
Strict Regulations for Buses in NCR
Addressing concerns raised about outdated buses operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), Singh assured the Assembly that no bus older than 10 years or having exceeded 11 lakh kilometres is permitted to run in the NCR region. Additionally, the minister disclosed that currently, 219 buses are over 12 years old, and 2,315 have surpassed the 12 lakh kilometre mark statewide, indicating a need for consistent fleet renewal.Introduction of Electric Buses in Rural and Urban Areas
In another strategic move towards eco-friendly public transport solutions, Singh announced the imminent introduction of electric buses. Rural areas will soon benefit from electric buses, while the planned Atal Electric City buses will specifically enhance connectivity between major cities.Operational Issues Leading to Revenue Losses
Responding to concerns from MLA Vinod Chaturvedi, Minister Singh admitted operational challenges, revealing that in January 2025 alone, approximately 700 buses remained off-road due to shortages of drivers and conductors. This operational disruption resulted in revenue losses estimated at Rs 8,08,000.The government's renewed commitment to expanding and upgrading its transportation fleet aims to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable public transport for residents across Uttar Pradesh, significantly enhancing overall mobility and economic growth potential in rural regions.
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