State wheels in grand plan to revive inter-city bus service

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh govt on Thursday took the first bold steps in an ambitious plan to resurrect a long-distance bus network that connected cities and several rural parts of the state back in the day.The govt unveiled a 40-route plan aimed at restoring an organised, safe and high-tech public transport alternative to the private buses that have dominated intercity travel since the closure of the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) in 2005.Under the newly notified State Road Transport Scheme, the Transport department has released details of 40 long-distance inter-city routes while opening a 30-day window, inviting suggestions and objections from the commuting public.The authorities will revive the long-lost bus service on inter-city routes after processing public feedback, the govt said, adding the the scheme is intended to operate alongside private services through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework and will be run by the newly formed Madhya Pradesh Passenger Bus Transport and Infrastructure Limited, with permits issued under a State Transport Undertaking (STU).

The proposed network aims to bring major commercial hubs and outlying districts under a single transportation network, connecting cities such as Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa and Sagar, and also going deeper into Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Dhar, Neemuch and Mandsaur.Indore is poised to be the principal operational hub, with 22 buses scheduled to originate from Indore serving destinations including Bhind, Datia, Gwalior, Rewa, Shivpuri and Morena.Among the proposed routes, Indore–Singrauli is the longest at 889 km, followed by Indore–Shahdol (791 km), Indore–Mauganj (780 km) and Indore–Anuppur (760 km). The shortest corridor identified is Khargone–Agar Malwa at 258 km.Officials said the idea behind blending long-haul and shorter regional links is to balance daily commuting needs with the demand for longer intercity travel. The state has planned a two-tiered fleet strategy tailored to route profiles.

Midi buses, seating between 23 and 34 passengers, will serve standard routes and be deployed across ordinary, semi-deluxe and deluxe categories.Larger intercity coaches, with capacity ranging from 35 to 70 seats, will be premium vehicles categorized as AC Deluxe, AC Luxury and AC Super Luxury.Transport Department sources said the classification is designed to offer a range of price and comfort options while enabling the state to compete with private luxury operators on longer stretches.A central pillar of the revived service is an emphasis on digitisation and passenger safety. Every vehicle will be equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs), which would transmit location and speed data to a state or regional command centre every 5 to 10 seconds, according to an official notification of the service.The real-time tracking will be accessible to passengers through a dedicated mobile app providing live location, estimated time of arrival (ETA) and schedule information.Digital ticketing will be a default feature, with cashless e-ticketing systems integrated into the booking platform. The buses will be subject to strict cleanliness and fitness checks, and drivers found violating speed or safety protocols will face immediate disciplinary action. The plan also includes a dedicated helpline and an online portal to register and resolve customer complaints.While the revived network will be overseen by Madhya Pradesh Passenger Bus Transport and Infrastructure Limited, the operations will be based on an arrangement with private operators to leverage commercial expertise.

Permits will be issued under an STU, signaling the govt’s intent to create a hybrid model with public oversight and private implementation.Authorities have set an ambitious schedule. The formal launch of services is slated to begin within seven days once the final scheme is notified, following the 30-day period to assess and incorporate public feedback.The accelerated timeline is aimed at quickly sending a market signal and restoring a state presence in intercity public transport, officials said.Transport analysts welcomed the relaunch as a strategic response to long-standing problems in the state’s intercity transport. Since MPSRTC ceased operations, private players have largely controlled routes, often prompting concerns about monopolistic pricing, inconsistent schedules and safety lapses. The re-entry of a state-backed, regulated service — particularly one furnished with modern tracking and ticketing systems — could pressure private operators on improving the quality of their service while adhering to standardised fare structures and timetables.“The govt aims to re-establish a regulated alternative that can guarantee safety, punctuality and fair pricing,” a senior transport department official told TOI, adding, “With real-time supervision and operations on a PPP model, we hope to strike a balance between public accountability and operational efficiency.”Observers, however, said the success of the relaunched inter-city bus services will hinge largely on seamless coordination between the state agency and private partners, realistic fare-setting, and the robustness of enforcement mechanisms.Implementing a high-frequency VLTD system and integrating digital ticketing across diverse routes will require significant technical capacity and sustained maintenance, they noted, adding that winning the trust of long-distance travellers, accustomed to commuting on private buses, will be crucial.GFX HEADLINE: REVIVING A LONG LOST NETWORKLOSSES & SHUTDOWNThe Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) ceased operations in 2005The undertaking closed down amid persistent financial losses and long-standing mismanagement, rendering it unsustainableCommuters across MP have since relied predominantly on private bus operators for intercity or rural commuteWHAT PROMPTED REVIVAL?Reliance on the pvt sector led to connectivity gaps & regulatory oversight, prompting renewed interest in a govt-led solutionCM Mohan Yadav approved ‘Chief Minister’s Sugam Parivahan Seva’, a PPP initiative aimed at reintroducing more than 5,000 buses across the state, in June this yearTransport dept sources described the move as a bid to enhance commuter safety, improve service reliability and bring affordable travel to underserved routesImplementation timelines and operator selection under the PPP model are expected to be announced in coming weeksROUTE NETWORKThe new network connects major hubs, commercial districts, and remote areas across MPNEW ROUTESIndore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Dhar, Neemuch, and Mandsaur, among others.LONGEST ROUTESIndore to Singrauli: 889 km (The longest route)Indore to Shahdol: 791 kmIndore to Mauganj: 780 kmIndore to Anuppur: 760 kmSHORTEST ROUTEKhargone to Agar Malwa: 258 kmFLEET & CAPACITYThe govt plans to operate two distinct types of fleets depending on the nature of the route:Midi Buses (Standard Routes): 23 to 34 seatsThese will vary between Ordinary, Semi-Deluxe and Deluxe categories.Large Buses (Intercity Routes): 35 to 70 seatsPremium, high-capacity vehicles categorised as AC Deluxe, AC Luxury, and AC Super LuxuryADVANCED TECH & SAFETYReal-Time Tracking: Every bus will be fitted with a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) that transmits location and speed data to a state/regional command center every 5 to 10 secondsPassenger App: Commuters will have access to a dedicated mobile app to see a bus’s live location, ETA and schedulesDigital Ticketing: Fully cashless and digital e-ticketing systems will be integratedStrict Monitoring: Stringent safety, cleanliness, and fitness standards will be enforced. Drivers caught speeding or violating rules will face action.