Madhya Pradesh to Reinstate Public Transport System After 20 Years
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh plans to restore its public transport system after nearly 20 years to enhance connectivity for rural communities, aiming to boost economic activities and ensure access to essential services.
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh to revive public transportation system.
- Focus on rural communities' needs.
- Previous halt caused significant transportation gaps.
- Three operational models under consideration.
- Private operators may support unprofitable routes.
Bhopal, March 5 (NationPress) After almost two decades, Madhya Pradesh is poised to rejuvenate its road transport system, primarily aimed at assisting rural communities.
The government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, under the direction of former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur, had previously halted the operations of the State Road Transport Corporation, which provided bus services throughout the state.
This decision was made due to the substantial financial losses faced by the Corporation.
"A team of officials is currently working on this initiative, and it will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting," a government representative informed IANS.
The previous government's action resulted in a significant void in the state's road transportation network.
Despite the presence of private bus operators, only limited routes are accessible to the public, leaving many villages and rural populations without any public transport options.
The restoration of this transport service, especially in rural regions, is expected to invigorate economic activities in tier-II towns and villages.
Furthermore, it will provide vital access to medical facilities and educational institutions, ensuring that the rural community has the opportunities they deserve.
Currently, only the cities of Bhopal and Indore enjoy urban bus services within Madhya Pradesh.
The remaining rural areas depend on private operators who only service profitable routes.
"This is also a matter of fairness, as the less privileged have the same rights to travel on the state's roads as those who own vehicles," the officials mentioned.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has already given preliminary approval and directed the relevant departments to develop a suitable model that can be institutionalized, pending approval to be presented to the Cabinet for implementation.
In this initiative, the Transport, Finance, Public Works (PWD), and Rural Development departments are engaged in a thorough study.
Along with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh is unique in India as it currently lacks a state-owned or sponsored public road transportation network.
According to the official, there are three models being considered.
The first involves the state government owning and operating a transport corporation; the second option includes the state owning the buses and infrastructure while contracting out the operations.
The third, and likely most viable option, is to engage private operators to extend their services to unprofitable routes through a Viability Gap Funding model, thereby encompassing all districts in the state.
