Nagpur: A recent study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has exposed the severe inadequacy of public transportation in Maharashtra, with Nagpur faring poorly at just 21 buses per lakh population.

The city currently operates a fleet of 627 buses, far below the required 1,470 to meet the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ standard of 40-60 buses per lakh, the study mentioned. This shortfall reflects a broader crisis in the state, where the average is only 15 buses per lakh population against a recommended minimum of 28,800 buses.

Statewide, Maharashtra operates only 8,700 buses, of which nearly 3,500 are nearing the end of their service life. The study highlights that the state requires at least 24,000 additional buses to address the gap and provide adequate public transport for its 5.6 crore urban residents.

Alarmingly, 30 of the 44 cities with populations exceeding two lakh have no organized public transport system, leaving millions dependent on private vehicles or informal options.

The data paints a stark picture of other cities in Maharashtra as well. Greater Mumbai, with 3,600 buses, provides only 27 buses per lakh population, requiring an additional 4,299 buses to meet demand.

Thane operates 650 buses, offering just 22 per lakh, while Vasai Virar performs the worst, with only 8 buses per lakh and a requirement of 1,304 buses. Navi Mumbai, with 567 buses at 27 per lakh, Nashik with 250 at 13 per lakh, and Kalyan Dombivali with 208 buses at 11 per lakh, all highlight the state’s dire need for fleet expansion.

The ITDP report underscores the necessity for urgent investment in public transportation infrastructure across Maharashtra. Experts recommend increasing the number of buses and incorporating electric mobility solutions to address the crisis.

For Nagpur, the addition of nearly 850 buses could be a transformative step towards meeting the city’s mobility demands and reducing the reliance on private vehicles.