Chandigarh: Public transport in the city is set for a sweeping overhaul, with the administration setting an ambitious plan to expand the bus fleet, modernise infrastructure, and rationalise routes to improve connectivity across the Tricity and beyond.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) will roll out its own fleet of super-luxury buses for inter-state travel, a segment currently dominated by private and outstation operators. The plan envisages induction of 40 such buses, with 20 to be procured in the initial phase.
These BS-VI OBD-II compliant super-luxury coaches will be operated under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model—a public-private partnership framework where private operators handle procurement, operations, and maintenance, while the government pays on a per-kilometre basis. The buses are expected to feature high-end passenger amenities, multi-axle chassis, advanced diagnostics, and air-suspension systems for long-distance comfort.
A senior UT official said the move will allow Chandigarh to establish its own premium inter-state service. “So far, luxury buses catering to city passengers have largely been run by other state operators. Soon, Chandigarh will have its own fleet. There is also a plan to introduce electric buses on long-distance routes,” the official added.
Alongside this, the administration is aggressively scaling up its electric mobility push. The total number of e-buses operating across the tricity is projected to cross 400 by 2027–28.
At present, 100 e-buses are being procured under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. Of these, 59 have already been delivered, with 57 currently operational on tricity routes. The remaining 41 buses are expected to be inducted by the end of June 2026.
A tender for 328 more e-buses was floated in April 2026 by CESL under a demand aggregation model backed by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Deliveries under this batch are expected to begin from October 2026.
The transition plan includes phasing out 170 diesel buses by 2026–27, to be replaced by electric counterparts. Additionally, 70 more e-buses will be added to strengthen the fleet during the same period, followed by another 88 buses by 2027–28.
To support the expanding fleet, infrastructure upgrades are underway. A fifth bus depot at Raipur Kalan is nearing completion and will be equipped to handle electric buses. New depots are also being developed at Khudda Lahora and Dhanas, while additional land is being identified in consultation with the town planning department.
The administration is also extending its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to inter-state operations. Currently operational on tricity routes, the ITS will now be deployed across 259 long-route buses at an estimated cost of ₹22.71 crore, with 70% funding from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
In addition, the department is set to significantly upgrade passenger amenities at bus queue shelters (BQS). Plans include installation of CCTV cameras integrated with the ITS network, mobile charging points, dustbins, and route maps synced with real-time systems. All shelters will be equipped with Passenger Information System (PIS) boards displaying live bus arrival information and estimated time of arrival (ETA), aimed at improving commuter convenience and safety.
BOX:
Action Plan for Bus Operations100 e-buses (PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme): To replace 100 diesel buses; phased induction underway
Charging infrastructure: 66 KVA sub-station planned for e-bus charging
Mini bus stand, Manimajra: New facility under development
328 additional e-buses: Sanctioned for replacement and fleet expansion; rollout by 2027–28
e-bus depots: Planned at Khudda Lahora/Dhanas, ISBT-17, Sector-25, ISBT-43, and Raipur Kalan
Raipur Kalan workshop: Upgrade for maintaining 170 e-buses; completion expected by December 2026
ITS expansion: To cover all long-route buses; rollout targeted by mid financial year
40 super-luxury buses: Planned for inter-state routes
Online booking system: Proposed for city bus services
Follow Us On Social Media