Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Sewa: Public transport should reach every corner of Madhya Pradesh
Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Sewa: Public transport is a fundamental necessity for any developing city or state. It is not merely a means of ferrying people from one place to another but also the most accessible way to connect with employment, education, healthcare, and economic activities.
In this context, the Madhya Pradesh government's initiative to expand the public transport system is welcome. The launch of 351 buses across seven cities in the first phase, along with the expansion of inter-city and intra-city bus services in Indore, is expected to widen the reach of public transport. Additionally, 25 new buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme will further strengthen Indore's transport network.
The true objective of public transport will only be realized if its benefits are not confined to major cities and arterial routes alone. It is essential to extend regular bus services to the outskirts and newly developing neighborhoods of rapidly expanding cities like Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain.
Special attention must also be paid to rural and remote areas of the state where people still rely on private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, or expensive alternative modes of transport. When determining new routes, the government should not base its decisions solely on passenger volume and commercial profitability; social necessity should also be a crucial criterion.
Priority should be given to villages, tribal areas
Priority should be given to villages, tribal areas, industrial clusters, educational institutions, and health centers that currently lack adequate public transport. The government should implement special measures to ensure at least a minimum level of bus service even on remote routes with low passenger traffic.
The yardstick for the success of public transport should not merely be the number of new buses introduced on the roads, but also the number of new areas connected to regular public transport for the first time.
Safe and reliable operation of buses is critical
While increasing the number of buses is important, their safe and reliable operation is far more critical. Features such as CCTV cameras, emergency buttons, and Intelligent Transport Management Systems will only be effective if there are mechanisms for continuous monitoring, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs in case of breakdowns.
Passenger safety must be accorded the highest priority
Passenger safety must be accorded the highest priority. Special emphasis must be placed on the safety of women. Adequate lighting, functional CCTV cameras, emergency assistance mechanisms, and systems for immediate action on complaints should be ensured on buses and at major bus stops. Security arrangements along the routes of night-service buses need to be strengthened.
Training programs for drivers and conductors should incorporate sensitivity towards passengers and the capability to handle emergency situations.
Monitoring should not be limited merely to paperwork reviews
The government's three-tier monitoring system and the role of district-level transport committees are also crucial. This monitoring should not be limited merely to paperwork reviews; there must be regular assessments of bus punctuality, cleanliness, the conduct of drivers and conductors, overloading issues, grievance redressal, and accident records.