Bhopal, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday resumed government bus services after a gap of 21 years, launching 351 buses across seven cities under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva’ and setting a target of expanding the fleet to 1,500 buses within the first year.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav remotely flagged off the buses at BHEL Dussehra Ground in Bhopal.
The first phase comprises 120 intercity and 231 intracity buses operating across seven cities, including Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur. The state government plans to expand connectivity to villages and link them with cities through the service.
Addressing the launch, Gadkari said five agendas had been formulated to improve public transport, with cleaner transport identified as the first priority.
“Five agendas have been formulated to improve public transport, and clean transport is our first priority. The transport sector accounts for around 40 per cent of the country’s air pollution, and I accept my responsibility for this,” he said.
Gadkari also directed officials to ensure improvements in the buses being introduced under the service and warned companies against failing to meet prescribed standards.
“There is still significant scope for improvement in these buses. The companies must make the necessary upgrades. Otherwise, I will deal with the concerned officials in the same strict manner as I deal with contractors,” he said.
Emphasising affordability, Gadkari said quality public transport should also be accessible to poorer sections.
“The poor also deserve good facilities in AC buses. Their fares should be 30 per cent lower than those of diesel buses. This is my vision,” he said.
The state government plans to extend bus connectivity to 75 per cent of gram panchayats. Services are expected to operate within cities, between different parts of the state and, wherever required, beyond Madhya Pradesh.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the launch coincided with the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and the Seva Sankalp Maha Abhiyan.
“Today is a remarkable day. The convergence of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary with the Seva Sankalp Maha Abhiyan further strengthens our resolve towards public service,” Yadav said.
He described the initiative as an important step towards fulfilling a commitment made in the state government’s 2023 manifesto and providing convenient, safe and improved public transport.
Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh said the revival of government bus services after 21 years would be a milestone for the state’s transport sector and assured that the interests of private bus operators would not be affected.
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