Metro years away, Chandigarh to ramp up bus service

With the Metro Rail project still in the planning phase, the UT Administration has now shifted focus to strengthening the city bus service to address rising public transport needs. The issue was discussed at the Administrator’s Advisory Council meeting, where experts emphasised the need for better bus connectivity in Chandigarh and its surrounding areas.

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The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), which handles surveys for the Metro project, has also recommended developing seven high-demand bus corridors to improve urban mobility and reduce dependence on private vehicles. These corridors have been identified based on areas with heavy daily commuter traffic, including routes frequented by students, government employees and private sector workers.

The Administration had earlier asked RITES to explore alternatives to Metro for strengthening public transportation. In response, the agency proposed significant improvements in the bus network, not only within Chandigarh but also extending service to Mohali, Zirakpur, New Chandigarh, Panchkula and Kharar in the coming years.

To ensure a smooth commuting and minimise waiting times, RITES has recommended developing seven key bus corridors — ISBT Sector-43 to New Chandigarh (21km); ISBT Sector-87 Mohali to Mansa Devi Complex (24 km); ISBT Sector-43 to ISBT, Panchkula (16 km); ISBT Sector-17 to ISBT, Kharar (19 km); PGI/Dadu Majra to ISBT, Zirakpur (17 km); PGI to ISBT, Panchkula (12 km) and ISBT, Kharar, to ISBT, Zirakpur, (12 km).

With increasing traffic on city roads, officials believe that improving bus frequency and connectivity will help attract commuters to the public transport. The high-demand corridors will ensure a seamless connectivity between key residential, commercial and institutional hubs.

According to RITES projections, the tricity will require an increasing number of buses to meet the demand over the next three decades — 1,093 buses by 2027, 1,225 by 2032, 1,375 by 2037, 1,555 by 2042, 1,709 by 2047 and 1,877 buses by 2052. The Administration is expected to review the recommendations and take steps to enhance the city’s bus fleet in a phased manner while continuing work on the Metro Rail project.

Proposed bus corridors

ISBT, Sector-43, to New Chandigarh (21 km)

ISBT, Sector 87, Mohali, to Mansa Devi Complex (24 km)

ISBT, Sector 43, to ISBT, Panchkula (16 km)

ISBT, Sec 17, to ISBT, Kharar (19 km)

PGI/Dadu Majra to ISBT, Zirakpur (17 km)

PGI to ISBT, Panchkula (12 km)

ISBT-Kharar to ISBT, Zirakpur (12 km)