Traffic chaos: Residents call for public transport revival

As the city’s traffic snarls worsen, residents say the absence of a reliable public transport system has made commuting a daily ordeal. With most city buses lying defunct and the promised electric bus fleet delayed for over two years, citizens are left with a few options but to depend on autos and private cabs — a costly substitute for short-distance travel.

The city was sanctioned 100 electric buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme, with modern depots planned at Hambran Road and Ghora Road. Contractors were finalised but the Municipal Corporation has yet to issue work orders for the depot construction, leaving the project in limbo.

“We were told electric buses would ease traffic and pollution but nothing has moved in two years,” said Rajesh Kumar, a shopkeeper from Model Town.

“Meanwhile, we spend hundreds on cabs to reach nearby markets as commuting on own vehicles means getting struck in traffic for long hours,” he said.

Of 120 buses procured, only 15 running

Of the 120 buses procured under the JNNURM, only 15 are running on two routes. The rest have either been declared scrap, reclaimed but unused or stuck in legal disputes. Repeated attempts to auction defunct buses have failed while reclaimed vehicles are deteriorating in open yards.

“Every day, I spend nearly double on cab fares in the absence of buses,” said Meena Rani, a textile worker from Field Ganj, adding that “Affordable transport is our right but we are forced to pay more”.

Residents seek affordable options

Residents argue that public transport is not only about convenience but also affordability and reducing traffic chaos.

“Private cabs are fine for occasional use but they can’t be the backbone of the city transport,” said Harpreet Kaur, a civic activist.

“We need buses that are frequent, affordable and eco-friendly. Electric buses are the need of the hour,” she said.

“City’s narrow streets are jammed with cars and autos. If buses were available, many of us would happily switch,” added Ravinder Singh, a retired transport planner.

The road ahead

Officials claim work would begin soon on converting the Hambran Road depot into a modern facility for e-buses but commuters remain skeptical. With traffic congestion worsening daily, residents say the delay is costing them their time and money.

As one commuter summed it up: “We don’t need promises of smart cities but buses that actually run.”