Madhya Pradesh is set to roll out its ‘Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Seva’ from September 25, with intercity and intracity bus services aimed at making public transport safer, more convenient and better connected across the state.

State Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will flag off the public passenger bus services at a state-level programme at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal on September 25.

The state Transport Department has completed preparations for the launch, with a focus on technology, passenger safety and driver training.

Advanced training for bus drivers

Under the new service, buses operating on state roads will be driven by personnel trained in modern bus technologies and safety standards.

Drivers are being trained in the operation, technology and safety requirements of electric and CNG buses. The training is intended to ensure the safe and smooth operation of buses equipped with newer technologies.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the public transport system while preparing drivers to handle modern, technology-driven fleets.

Panic buttons, GPS to enhance passenger safety

Passenger safety and real-time monitoring will be key features of the new transport service.

The buses will be equipped with panic buttons and GPS systems. GPS technology will allow authorities to monitor the live location of buses, enabling better oversight of their movement.

The panic button will serve as an important safety mechanism for passengers, particularly in emergency situations.

Intercity and intracity services

The Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Seva will introduce both intercity and intracity bus services across Madhya Pradesh.

While intercity buses will connect two or more cities, intracity services will operate within individual cities. The initiative aims to provide residents with easier, safer and more reliable public transport while improving connectivity between different parts of the state.

The expansion is also expected to give passengers more travel options as the public transport network grows.

15k buses targeted by 2031

The state government has set a target of expanding the public transport fleet to around 15,000 buses by 2031.

According to the planned phased expansion, between 2,500 and 3,000 new buses will be added every year. The move is aimed at gradually widening the reach of public transport and providing better mobility options to passengers across different regions of Madhya Pradesh.

New driver training centres in the pipeline

The government is also expanding its network of driver training facilities to ensure that personnel operating modern buses receive specialised instruction. Institutes of Driving Training and Research have already been established in Indore and Chhindwara, where drivers are being trained. Five regional driving training centres are also being established in Bhopal, Betul, Chhatarpur, Ujjain and Gwalior and are expected to be ready soon.

In addition, 22 district-level driver training centres are also planned.

Through these centres, drivers will receive training in modern vehicle technology, safety standards and the operation of electric and CNG buses, helping support the planned expansion of Madhya Pradesh's public transport network.