Uttarakhand Boosts Public Transport: 100 New Buses Added, Electric Fleet Next

Key Highlights:

• 100 new buses added to the UTC fleet.

• 10 AC and 2 sleeper buses launched.

• GPS, CCTV, and e-ticketing were introduced.

• 13 bus stations completed, 14 underway.

• Electric buses are planned for the future.

Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) has strengthened its public transport services by adding 100 new buses to its fleet. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off these buses from the Chief Minister’s camp office on the occasion of the New Year, as per an official government statement.

Along with these additions, the Chief Minister also dedicated 10 air-conditioned buses and two sleeper buses, which are being operated on a contract basis, for public use.

Focus on Better Connectivity Across the State

The newly added buses aim to increase passenger capacity and improve service quality across Uttarakhand. Special attention has been given to hill districts, where difficult terrain and steep road gradients often affect bus operations. Reliable public transport remains essential in the state due to scattered settlements and heavy dependence on road travel for education, healthcare, markets, and tourism.

Technology Upgrades to Improve Safety and Monitoring

According to the statement, all new buses will be equipped with modern systems to enhance passenger safety and operational efficiency. These include GPS-based vehicle tracking, CCTV cameras, e-ticketing facilities, fleet monitoring tools, and scheduled maintenance systems. These features are expected to support real-time tracking, reduce manual ticketing, record onboard incidents, and ensure better adherence to routes and schedules.

Electric Buses Planned for the Near Future

The Uttarakhand government also reiterated its plan to introduce electric buses into the UTC fleet in the coming period. While no specific timeline or route details were announced, the move aligns with the broader shift seen across several states toward cleaner and more sustainable public transport solutions.

Bus Stations and Depot Infrastructure Development

Alongside fleet expansion, the government highlighted progress in transport infrastructure development. Construction of more than 13 new bus stations and workshops has been completed. Work is currently underway at 14 additional locations, including four Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs). These facilities are crucial for improving vehicle maintenance, reducing turnaround time, and ensuring smooth operations on long-distance and high-altitude routes.

Measures for UTC Employees

The state government also outlined steps taken to support UTC staff. Dearness allowance revisions have been implemented, recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission have been applied, and recruitment efforts are ongoing to address manpower shortages. Adequate staffing is essential for maintenance, route planning, and service continuity, especially during peak travel seasons and harsh weather conditions.

Government Emphasis on Service-Oriented Transport

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the government views the transport corporation as a key service delivery institution and is committed to making it more accountable and responsive. The event was attended by cabinet ministers Ganesh Joshi and Subodh Uniyal, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, several legislators, and senior officials, including UTC Managing Director and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi.

With this expansion, Uttarakhand continues to invest in improving public transport capacity, modern infrastructure, and technology-driven operations, while preparing for a gradual transition to electric mobility.

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CMV360 Says

Uttarakhand Transport Corporation’s addition of 100 new buses marks a strong push to improve public transport access across plains and hill regions. With safety-focused technology upgrades, expanded bus stations, and staff welfare measures, the state is strengthening service reliability. The planned introduction of electric buses further signals a shift toward cleaner and more modern mobility, supporting tourism, daily travel needs, and long-term sustainable transport goals.