Bhopal: Demand for city buses gathers pace; fleet of 50 more to ply soon

BHOPAL: Expect 50 new public transport diesel buses be added exiting fleet of low-floor city buses in the state capital in the coming few days. It would be followed by eco-friendlier, CNG buses that would operate on the roads by end of the year, according to officials.
The 50 new buses would operate on existing and five new routes of the state capital.The move comes on the heels of demands for introduction of more buses, post lockdown. During the lockdown, public transport was off the road. Since the opening of the lockdown, around 60% of about 220 are operational in Bhopal. These buses are operated by Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bhopal Municipal Corporation. “The new buses will meet demand for new routes and services,” said BMC commissioner and BCLL in charge, K V S Chaudary.
Currently,13 of the16 routes are being operated in Bhopal. BCLL has purchased 50 new buses which will be operated on five new routes which will be announced soon.
“There are less buses and the demand is higher. During Covid-19 to maintain social distancing the operators should ply all their fleet. It eases the travelling stress,” said Sonia Gupta, a private sector employee in MP Nagar.
There are 220 buses in the BCLL fleet of which 20 are AC. Remainder 60% which are operational are plying. More than two months into unlock, the demand for public transport has increased and BCLL is yet to keep pace with the demand, said sources.