UP News: In a major initiative to improve rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched 250 new Gramin Jan Seva (Rural Public Service) Buses from the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan in Lucknow. These buses will run across villages in UP, offering affordable and convenient travel options to the rural population. The fare of these buses will be up to 20% cheaper than regular Roadways buses, making travel more accessible for villagers and small business owners.
Affordable Travel for Villagers and Small Businesses
Under this new scheme, the fare for Gramin Jan Seva buses will be ₹1.04 per kilometer, compared to ₹1.30 per kilometer for regular Roadways buses. For example, a journey costing ₹100 earlier will now cost only ₹80. The service will cover a radius of 75–80 kilometers, allowing villagers to travel to nearby markets and towns easily. Small businesses will especially benefit, enabling easier transport of goods such as milk, vegetables, and fruits to local mandis and markets.
Incentives for Drivers and Operators
Transport staff will also benefit from this scheme. The payment to drivers and operators will be ₹2.18 per kilometer, higher than the ₹2.06 per kilometer paid for regular buses. Additionally, an incentive of ₹5,000 will be awarded for 26 consecutive days of operation, and commission earnings will be shared equally when passenger load exceeds 80%.
World-Class Infrastructure Development
CM Yogi Adityanath also announced the foundation of 7 new bus terminals and plans to build 54 world-class bus stations across the state. An agreement with IIT Kharagpur will help enhance technical expertise in public transport systems.
Focus on Road Safety
The Chief Minister issued strict instructions to officials to conduct awareness campaigns on road safety, promoting simple but effective measures like “No Helmet – No Fuel.” He emphasized that drivers should undergo medical fitness tests every three months to ensure safety standards.
Expansion of Public Services
Along with launching new buses, CM Yogi inaugurated 1.5 lakh Jan Suvidha Kendras (public service centers) to facilitate 48 types of applications connected to RTO services. In total, over 550 new buses (electric, CNG, and diesel) were flagged off in this major upgrade of UP’s transport infrastructure.
During his speech, CM Yogi highlighted the department’s crucial role during events like Kumbh Mela and the COVID-19 crisis, where the transport system ensured smooth movement of people across the state and neighboring regions like Uttarakhand.
This new initiative is a strong step toward empowering rural residents of Uttar Pradesh, enhancing economic activity, and improving the daily lives of millions by making public transport faster, safer, and more affordable.
