Inefficient Public Transport in Nagpur

thenewsdirt
Jan 26
5 min read

Updated: Feb 28

Public transport is the backbone of any city, ensuring people can travel safely and affordably. In Nagpur, a city with a growing population and rising urbanisation, public transport is a lifeline for many.

However, the system often struggles to meet the needs of its residents.

From overcrowded buses to service disruptions, the challenges faced by daily commuters reveal much about the gaps in the city's transport network.

Addressing these issues isn’t just about solving logistical problems, it’s about creating a city that works for everyone.

The Numbers Behind the Wheels

One of the pressing concerns in Nagpur is the shortage of buses. According to a 2024 study conducted by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), the city operates just 21 buses per lakh population.

This figure falls well below the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' recommendation of 40 to 60 buses per lakh.

To bridge this gap, Nagpur requires an additional 850 buses, a monumental shortfall that has left many commuters stranded during peak hours.

With fewer buses on the roads, overcrowding has become a daily ordeal. Passengers jostle for space, and safety often takes a backseat.

This issue disproportionately affects women and senior citizens, who find themselves grappling with the discomfort and unpredictability of the current system.

The Challenges of Consistency and Reliability in Nagpur's Public Transport

Public transport in Nagpur has struggled to provide consistent and reliable service, often leaving commuters frustrated and inconvenienced. A significant issue in 2024 was the frequent disruptions caused by strikes and operational challenges.

In October, workers of the city’s “Aapli Bus” service went on strike, demanding higher wages. This action brought the bus services to a complete standstill, creating chaos for thousands of residents who rely on them daily.

The strike underscored the lack of a safety net in the system, when services halted, there were no alternatives to ease the burden on commuters.

Another major disruption occurred in November when the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) assigned 425 buses for election duty.

While elections are vital, this decision sidelined public transport needs, leaving people with few options for travel. For those who depend on buses to reach work, schools, or hospitals, this temporary withdrawal of services was not merely an inconvenience, it was a significant disruption to their daily lives.

Maintenance issues have further compounded these challenges. Between January and December 2024, mechanical failures plagued the city’s bus fleet.

In January alone, 262 buses reported breakdowns, leading to 317 service interruptions. The inclusion of electric buses in the fleet was initially seen as a step towards modernisation.

However, even these newer vehicles were not immune to operational problems, with 24 breakdowns recorded in the same month.

These mechanical failures not only caused delays but also raised questions about the upkeep and reliability of the fleet.

The Nagpur Metro, launched to provide a more efficient mode of transportation, also faced hurdles in achieving its potential. Although designed to ease congestion and offer a faster commute, it struggled to attract riders.

Limited coverage meant it failed to connect large parts of the city, while high ticket prices deterred many potential users. Without integration with buses and other forms of transport, the metro remained an isolated service, unable to meet the needs of a significant portion of the population.

The Financial Strain

The financial health of Nagpur’s public transport system has been a persistent issue, creating hurdles in its smooth functioning and growth. Operating the city’s bus fleet has long been described as a loss-making activity.

The costs of maintaining buses, paying staff, and running services far exceed the revenue generated through ticket sales. This imbalance has left little room for improvements or expansions, further weakening the system.

One of the major factors contributing to these losses is low ridership.

With a limited number of buses serving a large population, overcrowding and irregular schedules have driven many commuters to seek alternative modes of transport. This shift has only worsened the revenue shortfall, creating a vicious cycle where poor service quality discourages usage, and reduced usage leads to insufficient funds to improve services.

The introduction of electric buses, while a commendable step towards sustainable transport, has added to the financial strain. These buses come with high initial costs, and their maintenance requires specialised equipment and expertise.

Instances of electric buses breaking down in 2024 highlighted not just mechanical challenges but also the expenses involved in keeping them operational.

Without a steady influx of revenue, the city has struggled to maintain even its existing fleet, let alone expand or modernise it.

Infrastructure-related expenses have further drained resources. Building and maintaining bus depots, fuelling stations, and administrative facilities require substantial investment. Moreover, the lack of integrated ticketing systems and modern technology has led to inefficiencies in revenue collection.

In many cases, funds that could have been used to improve services are instead spent on patching up an ageing and overstressed system.

The financial challenges are not limited to buses alone. The Nagpur Metro, introduced as a premium mode of transport, has faced its share of revenue concerns. Despite the investment in infrastructure, the metro has not achieved the ridership levels needed to make it financially viable. High operational costs, combined with underutilisation, have added to the overall strain on the city’s transport budget.

The Human Cost of an Inefficient System

For the people of Nagpur, the impact of an unreliable public transport system is more than just inconvenience, it affects their daily lives in profound ways.

Every disruption, delay, and overcrowded bus translates into a struggle that millions face while trying to get to work, attend school, or access essential services.

Daily wage earners are among the most affected. For them, time lost in waiting for a bus that may or may not arrive means losing a portion of their income.

A missed shift or a late arrival at a construction site, factory, or workshop can lead to reductions in pay or even job losses. In a system that prioritises efficiency, these workers would have dependable options. Instead, they are left navigating unpredictability, often at the expense of their livelihood.

Students, too, bear the brunt of an inefficient network. Late buses or sudden cancellations make it difficult for them to reach their schools or colleges on time. For those attending institutions far from home, the lack of dependable services means more time spent commuting and less time for studies or extracurricular activities. This added pressure can significantly impact their overall learning experience.

Women commuters face additional challenges. Overcrowded buses create uncomfortable and, at times, unsafe situations, especially during peak hours.

The absence of reliable services late in the evening forces many to rely on expensive private transport or stay at home altogether, limiting their freedom of movement and economic participation.

Senior citizens, who often depend on public transport for their mobility, find it particularly difficult to deal with delays and overcrowding.

The physical strain of standing in packed buses or waiting for long hours at bus stops takes a toll on their health. For them, the lack of user-friendly and accessible services is a constant barrier to leading independent lives.

While public transport is meant to be an equaliser, providing affordable and accessible travel options to all, its inefficiency in Nagpur has instead highlighted the divide between those who can afford private transport and those who cannot.

For the latter, every breakdown, strike, or delay becomes a moment of stress and uncertainty, underscoring the critical need for a system that serves everyone with consistency and reliability.