After 10 years, city buses will return to Ulhasnagar

After several unsuccessful attempts to revive city bus services in the past decade, the corporation has acquired 20 buses that will not only serve Ulhasnagar but also neighbouring areas such as Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, and Bhiwandi. This will provide much-needed relief to the residents from paying exorbitant auto fares.

Ulhasnagar, with a population of 6 lakh and an area of 13 square kilometres, faces significant transport challenges. Lack of city bus services forces residents to rely on auto drivers who charge exorbitant fares, especially for short distances or the share autos which run between two particular points and sometimes ferry five people at a time.

In 2010, the UMC commenced bus services through a private contractor. However, disputes over fare and losses led to the service's discontinuation in 2013, leaving autos as the sole mode of transport for citizens. Under the leadership of UMC Commissioner Aziz Shaikh, 20 electric buses (10 mini and 10 regular) have been acquired through a tender won by Pinnacle Industries.

"UMC has a lot of work to do before rolling out the service. A separate transport department needs to be created, requiring the state government's sanction," said Vinod Kene, in charge of the vehicle department, at UMC. "Additionally, the site for the bus depot, location of bus stops, routes and fare all need to be finalised," he added.

"We had floated a tender for 12 years, where the company has to provide buses, drivers, and maintenance. One company has been shortlisted to purchase the buses, with UMC providing subsidies. The company will also handle maintenance. UMC will pay the contractor per kilometre, and the fare will be fixed accordingly," said another official. "This will prevent the contractor from exerting undue influence over the corporation."

Shaikh said, "All UMC departments are working tirelessly to reintroduce city buses, benefiting residents of Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan and Dombivli. The goal is to have the service operational within the next two to three months."

‘A Welcome move'

Sunita Dhage
‘Reviving transport services is a welcome move; affordable and cosy buses on vital routes will definitely help us."

Manisha Nafde
‘Autos charging excessive fares for short distances make city buses a necessity, especially for housewives like us'

Manoj Shelar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
‘We welcome the revival attempts for city bus services. A well-connected bus network will benefit citizens; we request the UMC to maintain fares as per government norms'

6L
Population of Ulhasnagar

20
No of buses acquired