Roadways: New contracted buses brings hope for vital routes
Efforts to introduce an additional five buses
Over the past eight years, there has been a significant decline in the number of buses operating in Udaipur, resulting in the suspension of bus services along several crucial routes. However, there is recent news of the addition of five contracted buses, which have been assigned to profitable routes. Furthermore, plans are in place to contract an additional five buses in the near future. It is worth noting that in the fiscal year 2014-15, Udaipur's bus depot boasted a fleet of 135 buses, which served a network of 120 routes. Currently, the depot's fleet has dwindled to 84 buses, comprising 70 roadways buses and 14 buses that operate under contract agreements. Despite the reduced fleet size, Udaipur's buses are now operating on more than 90 routes.
Retired Employees Federation, Ramesh Porwal, has expressed concern over the state's roadways system, asserting that the lack of new bus purchases and recruitment for vacant positions is not indicative of an intention to close down the roadways. He further highlights that this situation has compelled the public to resort to private or poorly maintained buses, resulting in double the usual fare expenditure.
Rajendra Jain, the divisional in-charge of the Retired Employees Federation, has raised concerns about the discontinuation of bus services on routes that were known for generating substantial income. This cessation of services has affected not only Udaipur but also other locations such as Neemuch, Nimbahera, Udaipur Bhinder, Kanod, Pratapgarh, Badi Sadri, Ratlam, and Indore routes. Furthermore, interstate services like Udaipur-Shirdi, Saira-Surat, and Udaipur-Ahmedabad sleeper buses have also been halted.
Around a decade ago, buses operating in remote rural areas would make overnight stops, departing early in the morning to reach their respective headquarters. Likewise, in the evening, these buses would return to the rural bus stands and halt there. This practice greatly benefited individuals commuting from rural areas to the district headquarters for employment, while also contributing to the roadways' revenue.
Routes that were previously generating substantial income are now served by contracted vehicles, with ongoing efforts to introduce an additional five buses on these routes. There is also a demand for new buses from the headquarters. Once these buses are acquired, they will be deployed on high-revenue routes.