Among the most appreciable works of Udaipur Municipal Council (UMC) was the initiation of city buses, but due to some political and technical issues they were discontinued almost a year ago.
Recently, there were talks of re-starting the service for locals and poor masses, but somehow it is getting stuck in the shackles of administrative formalities for a long time.
City Bus Service was mainly used by the masses travelling from distanced remote villages around Udaipur. Service was initiated with 70 buses newly purchased on sanctions of state grants, with required infrastructure and stops were marked for the buses on various roots connecting nearby villages.
Sources informed that the service was discontinued as it was given on a contract to third party which was incurring losses. Contracts were of 3 years but were voided before the stipulated date. Presently, UMC has developed shelters at around 7 places across city, also have announced tenders for re-starting services but no party is turning up with interest.
Sources also add that the reason for no applications is the high value of tender amount which would ultimately results in rise in the fare. Earlier, the fare was minimum Rs 5, but at the current tender and fuel prizes, it would be raised to Rs 10-15 and maximum fare to nearly rs.60, covering city in diameter of 35 kilometres, making it unaffordable for the individuals from distanced villages.
“We have to work according to the norms declared by that state government, once a tender is accepted by the contractor, bus service will be resumed for the masses”, said Rajni Dangi, Chairperson, UMC.
This was a great service for all, regardless of the financial status. Wish the service to start soon and request politics to be out of it.
Why do we require Tenders , can UMC doesn’t hire people and pay from the revenue earned from the service. I am sure if they plan it and this can be great success. Also instead of covering 35 km radius , it will be good if they start with covering corners of the city first and based on its success expand. Key to success will be frequency and time schedule and the information must be shared to individuals.
City buses are now must have for udaipur. Government can purchase low floor cng city buses of ashok leyland make and get funding from UNEP( United Nation Environment Project). Buses should run from 6 A.M. to 10 P.M. with a frequency of 15 minutes. The routes should be one corner to another of udaipur city and it would definitely gets success like in jaipur.
Long awaited step. May God give wisdom to our politicians.