Public transport in rural areas to get boost

To provide last mile connectivity and improve organised public transport in rural areas, the government, under a new scheme, will allocate funds to states to purchase mini buses.

Under the proposed scheme - Pradhan Mantri Gramin Parivahan Yojna (PMGPY) - funds will be provided to states to purchase 80,000 mini buses to connect 1,25,000 villages across the country.

A committee, comprising state transport ministers headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunus Khan, had recently suggested the Centre to launch a new scheme to improve rural public transport system in the country.

60% of the total cost will be provided by the Centre and remaining 40% share will be borne by the states, a senior official in the transport ministry told DH.

“These buses will be launched to improve the public transport system in interior areas which lack an organised transport facility,” said the official adding that the Ministries of Road Transport, and Rural Development are jointly preparing guidelines for the scheme.

The PMGPY will be introduced to complement the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, under which rural roads are being built, said the official.

“Roads are built in most of the places, but there is no public transport. That’s why, the government is considering to provide 10-12 seater passenger vehicles at subsidised rates to retired defence personnel and women self-help groups,” he said.