Madhya Pradesh to Develop Rural Transport System by June

Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh announced plans to establish a comprehensive rural road transportation system by June next year, starting from Indore division. This initiative aims to revive public bus services, which have been dormant for almost two decades. The state government, led by the BJP, will implement an efficient transport management system through public-private partnerships. Surveys are currently ongoing in Ujjain and Indore, with Jabalpur nearing completion. The system will feature real-time bus tracking, regulated fares, and strict enforcement to ensure buses operate on designated routes. A state-level holding company, Madhya Pradesh Yatri Avam Pariwahan Infrastructure Limited, has been formed as part of the preparatory efforts. Following the dissolution of the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation in 2005 due to financial losses, private operators took over but neglected rural areas. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has approved the project, instructing various departments to conduct detailed studies. Three models are being considered for implementation: full government ownership and operation, state ownership of buses with outsourced operations, or a viability gap funding approach with private partners. Currently, only Bhopal and Indore have organized urban bus services in Madhya Pradesh, leaving the state without a rural public transport network. The revival of public transport aims to provide affordable connectivity to underserved communities for accessing markets, healthcare, and education. Minister Singh highlighted that this initiative will boost economic activities in tier-2 towns and villages, promoting inclusive growth. This development is expected to revolutionize rural mobility, ensuring reliable public transport reaches all parts of the state.