Students and Widows to Get Fare Relief, New Bus Terminals…: Promises in the AMTS Budget
On Monday (January 27), the Ahmedabad Transport Committee presented the budget for 2025-26. During the Municipal Transport Committee meeting, the ruling BJP approved a budget of ₹705 crore for the department, which is currently carrying a debt of ₹4620 crore, with an additional ₹23 crore allocation for improvements.
Despite the financial challenges, the committee has decided to shut down the double-decker buses that were running at a loss, but will purchase four new electric double-decker buses at a cost of ₹8 crore. In addition, students studying after 10th grade will benefit from a fare relief of up to 85%, along with several other promises aimed at improving the transport services.
Draft Budget of ₹682 Crore for 2025-26
For the year 2025-26, the Transport Manager presented a draft budget of ₹682 crore. The Committee Chairman, Dharmashibhai Desai, stated, “The Transport Manager has proposed a fleet of 1,172 buses, including 100 new mini CNG buses, which will be acquired under the Gross Cost Kilometer model, bringing the total fleet to 1,272 buses. Additionally, 445 new AC buses will be added to the fleet in 2025-26.”
Four New Double-Decker Buses to be Purchased
It is noteworthy that one year ago, seven electric double-decker buses were launched on various city routes. However, just a few days ago, citing the lack of passengers and revenue, the service was discontinued.
Despite this, the 2025-26 budget includes a provision to purchase four new double-decker buses, with funds being allocated through a grant from the 16th Finance Commission.
AMTS Budget Includes Promises of Improvement
- Special fares for religious tours will be introduced on Saturdays and Sundays.
- A free pass scheme will be implemented for children studying after 10th grade who are without parents.
- Widowed women will be given a 50% discount on ticket fares.
- A bus terminal will be built near Damru Circle, at a cost of ₹1 crore, after acquiring land from the collector.
- 12 bus terminals will be constructed on the city’s ring road for night parking of buses, with an estimated cost of ₹6 crore.
