Gujarat's Chief Minister Unveils 182 New GSRTC Buses for Enhanced Connectivity
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Gandhinagar, March 18 (NationPress) The Gujarat administration has introduced 182 new state transport buses—one designated for each Assembly constituency—in an effort to enhance last-mile connectivity and bolster public transportation throughout the state.
The bus fleet was inaugurated in Gandhinagar on Wednesday by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel alongside Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Minister of State for Transport Pravin Mali, with the attendance of various ministers, MLAs, and officials.
In his address, Patel remarked: "This initiative signifies another landmark achievement in the public service mission of the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC)."
Deputy CM Sanghavi emphasized the government's dedication to enhancing the accessibility and dependability of bus services across all areas.
“The evolution of Gujarat ST from extending public transport to fostering development persists, with 182 new buses committed to public service in Gandhinagar, officiated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This event, witnessed by Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary and Minister of State Pravin Mali, represents a critical advancement in fortifying the state's public transit network,” he stated.
During the launch ceremony, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister ceremonially handed over keys to drivers representing the new bus fleet.
Officials noted that this initiative guarantees that each of Gujarat's 182 Assembly constituencies is now equipped with a newly inducted bus, specifically targeting improved connectivity in underserved and rural regions.
GSRTC manages over 8,000 buses daily, traversing approximately 33 lakh kilometres and serving more than 27 lakh passengers.
The corporation prides itself on delivering “clean, safe, and timely” transportation services, additionally deploying extra buses during festivals and religious gatherings to cater to increased passenger demand.
The state government allocates annual financial support for the corporation’s fleet expansion.
In the 2024–25 period, a total of 1,963 buses will be integrated into the services, including 963 Super Express, 550 Gurjar Nagari, 100 sleeper, and 350 mini buses.
Plans are also underway to introduce 200 Volvo and air-conditioned buses through a public-private partnership model.
With this latest addition, the fleet has expanded with 182 buses valued at Rs 62 crore as part of the ongoing fleet modernization initiative.