Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has rolled out 182 new state transport buses—one for each Assembly constituency—in a major push to improve last-mile connectivity and strengthen public transport infrastructure across the state.
The new fleet was flagged off in Gandhinagar by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with Minister of State for Transport Pravin Mali.
One Bus Per Constituency to Improve Rural Access
Officials confirmed that each of Gujarat’s 182 Assembly constituencies will now be served by a newly inducted bus. The initiative is aimed particularly at improving connectivity in rural and underserved regions.
During the ceremony, symbolic keys were handed over to drivers representing the new fleet, marking the formal induction into service.
Strengthening Public Transport Infrastructure
Speaking at the event, CM Bhupendra Patel described the initiative as a significant milestone for the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC).
“The addition marked another milestone in the public service commitment of GSRTC,” Patel said.
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi emphasized that the government remains focused on improving accessibility, reliability, and efficiency in public transportation across all regions of the state.
GSRTC Operations and Service Expansion
The GSRTC currently operates:
- Over 8,000 buses daily
- Covers approximately 33 lakh kilometres
- Serves more than 27 lakh passengers every day
The corporation continues to provide clean, safe, and timely transport services, while also deploying extra buses during festivals and religious events to manage increased passenger demand.
Fleet Modernisation and Future Plans
The Gujarat government has been actively investing in expanding and modernising its public transport fleet.
Recent Additions (2024–25):
- 1,963 buses introduced, including:
- 963 Super Express buses
- 550 Gurjar Nagari buses
- 100 sleeper coaches
- 350 mini buses
- 963 Super Express buses
Upcoming Plans:
- Introduction of 200 Volvo and air-conditioned buses
- Implementation through a public-private partnership (PPP) model
The latest batch of 182 buses, valued at ₹62 crore, is part of this broader fleet modernisation initiative.
Focus on Connectivity and Development
The government highlighted that improved public transport plays a key role in:
- Enhancing regional connectivity
- Supporting economic development
- Providing affordable mobility options
With this initiative, Gujarat aims to ensure reliable transport access for citizens across all constituencies, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive infrastructure development.
The launch of 182 new buses marks a significant step in Gujarat’s efforts to strengthen its public transport network. By focusing on last-mile connectivity and modern fleet expansion, the state continues to improve mobility and accessibility for millions of passengers every day.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Development Projects Worth ₹1,100 Crore in Panchmahal and Dahod
