Madhya Pradesh is preparing to fundamentally strengthen its public transport system. Health Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the launch of the 'Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan' bus service starting September 25, 2026. This move is seen as a significant step towards reviving the state's public transport system after nearly two decades.
Speaking at the Passenger Transport Vision Summit-2026, held at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, the Chief Minister stated that the government's goal is to provide citizens with a simple, safe, modern, and reliable bus service. Under this program, the potential to operate around 15,000 buses is planned for the future.
Return of Bus Services After 20 Years
Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh noted that the new system is being developed following the discontinuation of the old state transport service in 2004–2005. The government intends to create an organized and transparent system in collaboration with private bus operators.
The 'Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan' service will focus on modern bus terminals, digital tracking, monitoring of drivers and conductors, and road safety to ensure a comfortable and secure journey for passengers.
Route Plan: 150 City, 450 Intercity, and 436 Interstate
According to Transport Secretary Manish Singh, route surveys have been conducted in all 55 districts of the state. Based on this data, the development of approximately 150 city, 450 intercity, and 436 interstate routes is planned.
Buses will be equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS, emergency call buttons, and real-time monitoring systems. Priority will be given to EV and CNG-fueled buses.
Three Main Pillars of the Government System
The government's primary objective is to provide passengers with a reliable transport service based on the principles of 'right bus, right route, and right time'.
During the summit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MPYPIL and Rapido to strengthen 'first-mile-last-mile' connectivity. Under this agreement, information about transport hubs, such as bus stations, bus stops, and metro stations, will be integrated into the Rapido technical platform. The Rapido Pink Bike-Taxi service, operated by women, is also planned to be promoted, initially implemented as a pilot project in Bhopal and Indore.
The Chief Minister emphasized that with a road network spanning about 500,000 kilometers and the potential to operate over 15,000 buses, improving public transport is both a challenge and a great opportunity, considering the large number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the state. He called upon private operators, bus manufacturers, industrial partners, and other stakeholders to participate in this development process of Madhya Pradesh.
According to the official, the new bus service will create employment opportunities not only for passengers but also for youth.
Focus on Electric Buses and Green Mobility
The new transport system also places paramount importance on eco-friendly technologies. Indore Mayor Pushmitra Bhargav noted that the clean and safe bus system, created under a PPP model, will connect villages with cities.
Furthermore, Eco Mobility head Sudhir Mehta reported that the company is establishing an electric bus manufacturing plant in Pithampur, with an annual production capacity estimated at 5,000 electric buses.
Launch of MP Mobility Innovation Challenge Contest
At the summit, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also launched the MP Mobility Innovation Challenge 2026. The goal of this contest is to find new technologies and innovations to solve real transport problems in the region.
Startups, SMEs, researchers, educational institutions, and innovators aiming to improve the transport system can participate in this initiative.
The Chief Minister announced that the 'Service the Promise' campaign will begin on September 17, and on September 25, residents of the state will receive a gift in the form of 'the state's own bus service' through the 'Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan' program. The government aims to develop public transport not just by increasing the number of buses, but by transforming it into a digital, safe, technologically equipped, eco-friendly, and passenger-oriented system.