Transport crisis likely as 100 JCTSL buses to retire in March

Jaipur: The city may face a major public transport crisis from April as 100 buses of Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) are set to retire by March 31, potentially shrinking the operational fleet to half and forcing closure of several routes.Of the buses scheduled for retirement, 30 are mini buses and 70 are Smart City buses. After their withdrawal, only around 100 buses will remain in service. Officials warned that the reduction could severely affect daily commuters, as a similar retirement of 100 buses in 2023 led to the closure of 16 route pairs, impacting nearly 50,000 passengers.
Efforts are underway to induct 318 new electric buses through Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Union power ministry. However, only about 40 buses are expected to be available before the March-end deadline. JCTSL officials said a prototype trial of the e-buses conducted by CESL in Sept was unsuccessful. A second trial was held on December 15, and its report is still awaited. A Local Self Govt department official said there is no clear timeline yet for the arrival of the first batch of buses. JCTSL Managing Director Narayan Singh said 150 buses will be procured in the first phase. "If the process proceeds smoothly, manufacturing of the first batch will take about two to two-and-a-half months. Jaipur is likely to receive 50 to 60 buses initially, and the remaining buses will be delivered within six months," he said. He added that induction of e-buses will depend on depot upgrades. Work has begun at the Bagrana depot on Agra Road, and upgradation of the Todi depot on Sikar Road will start soon. Meanwhile, drivers' association President Babulal Nangli alleged deliberate delays in bringing new buses. "The tender was issued, but there is intentional delay in inducting new buses. Old, condemned buses are being given repeated extensions to benefit an earlier company, and drivers are being pressured to operate unfit vehicles," he said.