Jabalpur, a rapidly growing city in the heart of country is facing significant challenges in providing its citizens with an affordable, efficient and sustainable public transportation system. The main modes of public transportation in Jabalpur are buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. The Jabalpur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL), which is responsible for providing bus services in the city, operates a fleet of over 100 buses that cover a total of 44 routes. However, this is far from sufficient to meet the needs of the city's growing population. One of the biggest barriers to improving public transportation in Jabalpur is the lack of investment in infrastructure and services. Besides, the unconcerned attitude of concerned authorities, especially the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation towards implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is adding to the woes.

 

It may be noted that in the year 2007, a workshop on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was organised under the aegis of Jabalpur Municipal Corporation in the city. BRT system experts from various part of the country like Delhi, Lucknow came here to attend the workshop and gave invaluable suggestions for improving traffic and transportation in the city through the system. Later, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Rs 170 crore were proposed to be spend over 32 important city roads of the system. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of these roads was also prepared and sent to the State Government and Central Government. But, after executing formalities for few years, the JMC forget the significant project and till the date it is gathering dust. As per the information, the city spends only 0.7 per cent of its budget on public transportation, which is significantly lower than the national average. This lack of investment has resulted in a number of problems for commuters in Jabalpur. Buses are often overcrowded and unreliable, with long wait times and frequent breakdowns. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are expensive and drivers do not use meter, leading to disputes and frustration for passengers.