Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday inspected preparations at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal for the state-level launch of the Chief Minister Sugam Transport Service, describing the government’s decision to revive public bus services as a “revolutionary” step.

CM Dr Yadav visited the venue on September 24, a day ahead of the scheduled launch of the transport service on September 25. He reviewed arrangements at the site and issued necessary directions to officials. The Chief Minister also enquired about the facilities being provided inside the buses.

Speaking to the media, CM Dr Yadav said the following day would be “historic” for Madhya Pradesh, adding that the decision had been taken as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, being observed from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Public bus service to return after 21 years

CM Dr Yadav said the Madhya Pradesh government was set to restart public transport bus services in the state after 21 years.

He described the new bus service as a unique model and said different types of buses, including electric buses and those equipped with comprehensive passenger facilities, would be introduced in phases across cities and districts.

“Every facility” would be made available to passengers, he said, including drinking water, bus stops and bus stands. The operations would also be monitored through an improved control mechanism.

Pointing to Madhya Pradesh’s road network, CM Dr Yadav said the state had more than 500,000 km of roads and had now joined the group of larger states with their own public transport services.

Focus on urban and intercity connectivity

The Chief Minister said the government was working to address the lack of adequate road-based public transport after two metro services had also been introduced in the state.

He said infrastructure in villages had improved and people were now seeking better commuting facilities. The Sugam Transport Service would therefore include both intercity and intracity buses.

CM Dr Yadav also highlighted plans for luxury buses to connect passengers with major religious destinations and other states. He said services would facilitate travel to places including Jagannath Puri in Odisha, Rameswaram, Mathura and the Char Dham, besides destinations in other states.

Gadkari to attend launch programme

CM Dr Yadav said Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari would attend the state-level launch programme.

He expressed hope that people would welcome the government’s decision to restart and expand public transport services in Madhya Pradesh, describing the move as a significant step towards improving connectivity across the state.