Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Bhopal's Public Transport Struggles: E-Rickshaws Rise as Buses Decline
Buses in Bhopal are not running as often as they used to, causing problems for people who need to get around.
The bus service used to have many routes, but now only six are active.
This means people have to wait a long time for a bus.
Fewer people are riding the buses because they are unreliable.
Because the buses aren't running well, more people are using small electric vehicles called e-rickshaws to get around.
The company that used to run the buses had a disagreement about money, which led to some buses being stopped.
The city is trying to fix the problem, but it's taking time.
Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL) bus service is severely curtailed, operating on only 6 routes.
Commuters face long wait times and dwindling bus frequency, leading to a drop in ridership.
E-rickshaws are becoming a popular alternative due to the decline of bus services.
A dispute involving the ticketing app Chalo led to the grounding of buses with the former operator Maa Associates.
BCLL management states there is no immediate solution, as the case is in court.
- Who
- Bhopal residents who rely on public transport.
- What
- Bhopal's bus service is facing severe operational challenges, reducing routes and causing delays.
- When
- Ongoing, with service reductions likely to continue next month.
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Due to service cuts and operational disputes.
Bus Service Supporters
E-Rickshaw Supporters
Public Transport
Bus Service Supporters
Advocate for reliable, affordable public transportation.
E-Rickshaw Supporters
Accepts the current alternative options.
- Operational Routes
- 6
- Original Routes
- 24
- Peak Wait Times
- Over 30 minutes
- Daily Ridership Drop
- 1.5 lakh to 10,000-12,000
- Active Buses
- 86
- Buses under Repair
- 5-7
- E-Rickshaw Registrations (Last Year)
- Over 7,000