Bhopal, Dec 22 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh's Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh announced on Monday that a thorough rural road transport system is set to be developed and operational by June next year, starting from the Indore division. This initiative signifies a pivotal move towards restoring public bus services after almost two decades.

The Minister stated that the BJP-led state government is committed to establishing an effective transport management framework that will facilitate bus services reaching even the most isolated villages through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Currently, surveys are being conducted, particularly in Ujjain and Indore, while the survey in Jabalpur is nearing its completion.

Notable features of the system will include real-time bus tracking, regulated fare structures, enhanced safety measures for women and children passengers, and strict adherence to designated routes for bus operations.

In preparation for these efforts, the state has established a state-level holding entity named Madhya Pradesh Yatri Avam Pariwahan Infrastructure Limited.

Since the dissolution of the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation in 2005, which occurred under the leadership of then Chief Minister Babulal Gaur due to substantial financial losses, private operators have taken over, primarily focusing on profitable routes, thus leaving rural regions underserved.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has already approved this initiative, instructing various departments including Transport, Finance, Public Works, and Rural Development to perform in-depth studies and surveys.

Three operational models are being evaluated: complete government ownership and management, state ownership of buses with outsourced operations, or a funding approach with private partners to bridge viability gaps.

Currently, only Bhopal and Indore boast organized urban bus services, while Madhya Pradesh, along with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, remains one of the few states without a state-sponsored rural public transport network.

This revival aims to close the equity gap, providing affordable transport options for the underprivileged to access markets, healthcare, and education.

Minister Singh highlighted that this initiative will rejuvenate economic activities in tier-2 towns and villages, promoting inclusive development.

This project promises to revolutionize rural mobility, ensuring that reliable public transport reaches the communities that need it most across the state.