Gujarat: Did Nearly 9 Lakh Citizens Avail Free AMTS Rides During Diwali?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
During this Diwali, Ahmedabad witnessed an impressive turnout of nearly nine lakh passengers benefiting from the free rides offered by AMTS. This initiative not only eased festive travel but also promoted local shopping, reflecting the spirit of the season. Discover how this program impacted the community and supported local businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 9 lakh passengers utilized free AMTS rides during Diwali.
- The initiative aimed to promote local shopping through the ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi’ campaign.
- Free rides were available on three key festive days.
- AMTS typically offers discounts and free rides for special occasions.
- The state has a comprehensive transportation network, enhancing urban mobility.
Ahmedabad, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) experienced an extraordinary turnout for its three-day complimentary travel program during the festive season from Dhanteras to Diwali, with nearly nine lakh passengers utilizing the service.
The initiative is part of the city’s ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi – Ghar Ghar Swadeshi’ campaign, designed to encourage residents to support locally made products while enabling easy transportation for festive shopping.
As part of this support, AMTS provided free rides on October 18 (Dhanteras), October 19 (Kali Chaudas), and October 20 (Diwali).
Officials reported that approximately six lakh people took advantage of the offer on Dhanteras and Kali Chaudas, with an additional three lakh passengers enjoying free travel on Diwali day. Overall, the scheme benefited nearly nine lakh citizens—significantly higher than the city’s daily average of 5.5 lakh AMTS commuters.
While AMTS routinely offers free rides to women on Raksha Bandhan and discounted fares during special occasions, this marks the first instance of a citywide free travel initiative for all passengers during Diwali. This effort not only facilitated festive travel but also promoted public engagement in the local economy.
The state features an extensive road network of about 74,500 km, including national highways, state highways, and district roads, ensuring smooth connectivity across regions.
The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) plays a crucial role in intercity and rural connectivity, operating over 8,000 buses that serve 99 percent of the state’s population. In urban areas, the public transport system is strengthened by AMTS and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), which together manage extensive bus networks for daily commuters.
Moreover, the Ahmedabad Metro, inaugurated in phases beginning in 2019, now covers over 60 km and accommodates around 130,000 passengers daily, further improving urban mobility.
To enhance urban transport, the state has set up the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for Ahmedabad and Surat, aiming to integrate and optimize public transport systems in these rapidly expanding cities.
Point of View
The initiative by AMTS exemplifies a strong commitment to community engagement and economic support during festive seasons. It enhances public transport accessibility while promoting local products, showcasing how strategic transport policies can positively influence regional economies.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the free AMTS rides during Diwali?
The free AMTS rides aimed to encourage citizens to buy locally made products and facilitate convenient travel for festive shopping.
How many passengers used the free rides offered by AMTS?
Nearly nine lakh passengers utilized the free rides during the three-day initiative.
When were the free rides offered?
Free rides were offered on October 18 (Dhanteras), October 19 (Kali Chaudas), and October 20 (Diwali).
How does this initiative compare to AMTS's usual services?
This was the first citywide free travel offer for all passengers during Diwali, whereas AMTS typically offers free rides to women on Raksha Bandhan and discounts during other special occasions.
What transportation systems support urban mobility in Ahmedabad?
In Ahmedabad, public transport is supported by AMTS, the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), and the Ahmedabad Metro, enhancing urban mobility and connectivity.
