In an effort to better serve the residents of Uttar Pradesh and ensure improved connectivity, Minister Dayashankar Singh has invited proposals for bus routes, both notified and non-notified. The existing notified routes were established in the 1950s and have remained largely unchanged since. However, the state has seen significant changes over the decades, including the formation of new divisions, districts, and development blocks. To address these developments, new routes are now being identified to enhance accessibility to even the most remote villages.
Expanding Bus Services
At present, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation provides bus services on routes covering approximately 17,729 kilometers, including both notified and non-notified routes. Surprisingly, this constitutes only 6.78 percent of the total routes within the state. By calling for proposals for 460 such routes, the state aims to expand its bus services to a wider audience and cover areas that have long lacked proper connectivity.
Bridging the Passenger Gap
A departmental survey has revealed that the number of passengers per bus per day in Uttar Pradesh is only 20 percent in comparison to Karnataka. This statistic highlights the need to improve the accessibility and reach of the state’s roadway bus services. Many passengers on short routes currently do not have access to these services, which this initiative aims to rectify.
Addressing Long-standing Demand
Minister Dayashankar Singh pointed out that some routes, such as the Lucknow-Itauja-Sidhauli-Kamalapur-Sitapur route, were originally designated in a notification dated February 12, 1951. These areas have continued to express a strong demand for better bus services, and by revisiting these routes, the state aims to meet the ongoing transportation needs of its residents.
Curbing Illegal Operations
As part of this initiative, the Transport Minister has mandated that 50 percent of the buses in the depot’s fleet should be operated within a radius of 50 kilometers of the depot headquarters. This strategic move is intended to curb the operation of illegal vehicles and unauthorized bus services, thus ensuring greater safety and reliability for passengers.
The call for proposals to expand and modernize bus routes in Uttar Pradesh represents a significant step toward improved connectivity for its residents, particularly in villages and remote areas. By revisiting and updating notified and non-notified routes, the state is poised to provide more accessible and reliable transportation services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. This initiative not only addresses current needs but also prepares the state for future developments and growth.
