Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The once robust Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL) bus service is rapidly shrinking, now operating on only 6 out of its original 24 routes, leaving thousands of daily commuters scrambling for alternatives. With more service cuts likely next month, the city’s public transport crisis is deepening.
Once boasting a bus every 5 to 10 minutes, BCLL now tests commuters’ patience with wait times exceeding 30 minutes. Ridership has dropped sharply from 1.5 lakh to a mere 10,000–12,000 passengers daily.
Currently, only 86 buses are in operation—5 to 7 of them often under repair. This is a stark contrast to the 368 buses that once ran citywide.
In the absence of dependable public transport, e-rickshaws are filling the vacuum. As per RTO data, over 7,000 e-rickshaws were registered last year, with 1,500 more added this year—a number that excludes thousands of unregistered vehicles.
At Bagh Sewania depot, 149 idle BCLL buses remain unused. These belong to Maa Associates, the former operator that suspended services due to a dispute over dues with the Chalo ticketing app—a matter now settled. However, Maa Associates is seeking compensation for the grounded fleet, and the issue is currently pending in court.
Commuters in Crisis
On Thursday, Laxman Singh, a resident of Vidisha who came to Bhopal for medical treatment, waited for over 40 minutes at ISBT Bus Stand before finally switching to an e-rickshaw.He’s not alone. Across the city, residents are increasingly relying on private transport due to unreliable bus timings.
Case sub-judice: BCCL
BCLL Manager Rohit Yadav said, “We don’t have an immediate solution as the case is sub judice, but we are trying our best to find an alternative,”
Routes Still Operational
SR-2:Neelbad to Katara Hills
SR-4:Karond Square to BairagarhChichli
SR-5: Chirayu Hospital to Avadhpuri
TR-4B: Gandhi Nagar to Vardhman
TR-4: Chirayu Hospital to Rani Kamlapati Station
Route 413:Neelbad to Kokta
