JCTSL bus shortage cuts service, increases wait times

Jaipur: Daily commuters in Jaipur are facing longer waits and overcrowded buses after Jaipur City Transport Corporation Limited withdrew 100 buses from service on April 1, sharply reducing the city’s public transport capacity.

The state-run operator now has only 100 buses left to serve the entire city, officials said, after another batch of buses completed the mandatory 15-year service life and was taken off the roads.

“Even three years back we used to have a fleet of 100 buses. On April 1, 2023, 100 buses went off the road after completing 15 years of services. Now another 100 buses have completed the mandatory life period of 15 years. We are now left with only 100 buses to cover the entire city,” stated a JCTSL official.

The shrinking fleet has reduced frequency on several routes, increasing the gap between buses and forcing commuters to spend more time waiting at stops. During peak hours, buses are running heavily crowded, with passengers packed into limited services.

“There are two problems. First, you need to wait for buses longer. Second, even if you get one, there is a massive crowd on board. The situation is poor in those sectors where JCTSL has only one or two routes and no private minibus services,” stated Jitender Saini, a regular commuter.

JCTSL managing director Narayan Singh was not available for comment as he is currently in West Bengal to serve election related duties.

Officials said route rationalisation could not be carried out because most senior officers are out of state on election duty.

“The only solution to this problem is the new buses. Around 40 to 45 e-buses are expected by mid-May. We are trying to make two depots – the Todi Mod depot and the Bagrana depot – e-bus enabled by then,” an official stated.