Latest news with #UPSRTC
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Provide sensitive, proactive admin in edu institutes for disabled: Yogi
1 2 3 Lucknow: Expressing concern over disruptive elements attempting to lead disabled students in schools and universities astray, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed officials to ensure sensitive, vigilant and proactive administrative system in educational institutions catering to ' Divyang ' youth. Speaking at a meeting of the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, the CM directed the officials concerned to ensure comprehensive inspections of all Bachpan day care centres, Mansik Mandit Ashray Kendras, integrated schools, and Mamta, Sparsh, and Sanket schools across the state. "We must remain fully alert to ensure the safety and psychosocial protection of students. Permission for external organisations to operate in these institutions should be granted only after thorough background investigations. Institutional frameworks must be strengthened by engaging with students and understanding their needs, and expectations of their parents," he said. The CM said that all vacant teaching posts in these schools should be filled up on an urgent basis. "Till regular appointments are made, qualified persons can be employed through alternative arrangements, and such candidates can be given appropriate weightage in future selection processes," Yogi said. The CM also reviewed the status of various schemes being implemented by the department and highlighted that over the past eight years, the department's budget had increased more than tenfold, "reflecting the govt's strong commitment" to the welfare of Divyang individuals. Officials informed the CM that under the Divyangjan Pension Scheme, Rs 1,300 crore had been distributed to 11.04 lakh beneficiaries, while approximately 12,000 people affected by leprosy are receiving monthly assistance of Rs 3,000. The CM said that a state-level campaign should be conducted to identify eligible individuals who were not receiving pensions. "Action should be taken against those who are availing benefits fraudulently," he added. In the last financial year, over 31 lakh beneficiaries availed of free bus travel in UPSRTC buses. In the same period, Rs 28.93 crore was provided to 35,136 Divyang individuals for assistive devices like tricycles, wheelchairs, and Braille kits. Under the Motorised Tricycle Scheme, equipment worth up to Rs 2 lakh has been supplied to 270 severely disabled beneficiaries. The CM said that delivery of benefits from central govt schemes to eligible state beneficiaries should be done promptly and urged MPs and MLAs to contribute funds toward the Motorised Tricycle Scheme. Reviewing the 'Cochlear Implant Scheme,' the CM stressed that its success hinges on initiating treatment from the newborn stage and instructed officials to maintain communication with the families of 214 children who received the implant and closely monitor their health progress. Officials informed the CM that 1,390 visually, hearing, and mentally challenged children were getting necessary training and education through child day care centres across 25 districts. These centres provide education to 1,680 children via 16 special schools, seven integrated schools, and five mental rehabilitation centres. The CM said that priority should be given to skill development-based courses at Lucknow's Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University and Chitrakoot's Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang Rajya Vishwavidyalaya. He emphasized that these institutions should be promoted at the national level to attract Divyangjans from across the country. He also instructed the officials that divyang rehabilitation centres be established on priority at all 18 divisional headquarters to provide rehabilitation, education, and skill development services locally.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
UP Govt launches policy to regulate private bus parking
Noida: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new policy to regulate bus parking and set up designated bus stands across the state, an official letter said on Wednesday. The initiative, under the Stage Carriage Bus Stand, Contract Carriage and All India Tourist Bus Park (Establishment and Regulation) Policy, 2025, is designed to streamline urban transport—particularly in high-density areas like Noida, where over 5,000 buses, including nearly 1,900 school buses, currently operate without proper parking facilities. Currently, only the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has formal bus stations in Noida and Greater Noida. In contrast, private buses—including stage carriage and contract carriage services—lack access to dedicated stands, resulting in haphazard roadside parking in busy areas such as Sector 37, Sector 62, Botanical Garden, and Pari Chowk. 'The new policy mandates the formation of district-level committees, led by the district magistrate, to oversee the development of government and private bus terminals. These committees will include senior police officials, police commissioner, sub-divisional magistrates, circle officers, and assistant regional transport officers (ARTOs), and will ensure compliance with Transport Department regulations,' the letter added. To encourage private investment in bus parking infrastructure, the policy's eligibility criteria requires the applicants must own a minimum of two acres of land with at least seven metres of road access and possess at least two years of experience managing similar facilities. 'Approved layouts must reserve 70% of the area as open space and 30% for covered structures, and must include essential amenities such as waiting rooms, toilets, drinking water, food canteens, CCTV systems, public announcement systems, and information counters,' the letter added. While acknowledging the policy, assistant regional transport officer (Noida) Siyaram Verma said that 'the facility will be paid and soon a meeting will soon be held under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate to discuss the matter and decide on the necessary actions'. Notably, recognising the scale and population of Uttar Pradesh, the state government sees a critical need for private sector participation at all administrative levels—from blocks and tehsils to districts. This new policy framework aims to provide a structured, sustainable solution to urban transport challenges and ensure smoother traffic flow and better passenger services across the state.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Buses on roadsides choke traffic, panel set to identify terminals for them now
Noida: No designated terminals or parking space for private intercity or tourist buses leave traffic in sectors 37, 62, Botanical Garden and Pari Chowk in a bind every check the menace, district-level committees will now be able to identify spots and construct parking lots for stage, contract and tourist buses under a new policy, Stage Carriage Bus Stand, Contract Carriage and All India Tourist Bus Park (Establishment and Regulation) Policy, 2025, rolled out by the state govt recently. At present, only UPSRTC has bus stations for its fleet, with one each in Noida and Greater Noida. But the 5,000 private buses, including nearly 1,900 school buses, operate without access to proper stands. Consequently, many are found parked along roads or sector lanes, choking traffic.A terminal developed by Noida Authority in Sector 82 in 2021 for private buses—spending Rs 157.9 crore—has remained largely unused due to few the new policy, a district-level committee headed by the DM will be set up to oversee the establishment of both govt and privately run bus stands. The committee will include the police commissioner, senior police officers, sub-divisional magistrates, circle officers, and assistant regional transport officers. It will regulate all aspects of setting up, operating, and maintaining bus stands and parks in line with the transport department's aim to attract private investment in bus parking infrastructure through this project. Interested parties must have a minimum of two acres of land with road access at least 7m wide, and a minimum of two years' experience in managing similar facility's layout must have 70% open space and 30% covered space, and accommodate passenger amenities such as waiting areas, washrooms, drinking water, canteens, public address systems, CCTV surveillance, as well as inquiry counters.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Budget traveller's guide to visiting the Taj Mahal
The , is a marvel of architecture situated in the city of love, , Uttar Pradesh. It is among the seven wonders of the world. A major tourist attraction in India that draws millions of visitors each year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But exploring such an iconic monument doesn't have to cost a fortune, with some start and before hand planning, you can experience the grandeur of the Taj on a budget. Here's how you can plan that budget-friendly trip. Getting to Agra Agra is easily accessible by train and bus, especially from Delhi, Jaipur, and other major towns. The cheapest and most efficient option is the train. Depending on the class, the Taj Express and Gatimaan Express from Delhi could cost between INR 100 to INR 500. Sleeper and second-class coaches are great options for truly low-budget travellers. From Agra to Delhi, regular buses are operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), and the fare is between INR 200 and INR 300. Autorickshaws, bike rickshaws, and e-rickshaws are cheap and available in Agra. Taj Mahal entry and best visiting times Except for Friday, when it closes early for prayers, the Taj Mahal remains open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Indian citizens pay INR 50 to visit, foreign tourists pay INR 1,100 (which includes add-ons such as water, shoe covers, and shuttle), and SAARC citizens pay INR 540. Sunrise is the best time to visit because fewer visitors are there and the monument is warmed by soft morning light. The weather is also cooler, and there are better photography opportunities early in the morning. Budget-friendly lodging There are plenty of affordable accommodations in Agra, especially in the localities near the Taj Mahal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For just INR 400 to INR 1,200 per night, search for cheap lodges, guesthouses, and hostels that offer clean, basic rooms. Some low-budget hotels also have rooftop views of the Taj so you can witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset without additional cost. Acquiring the best offers can be obtained by reserving in advance or during off-season. Enjoy delectable cuisines You can have Agra's street food and traditional fare without breaking the bank. There is chaat, kachori, samosas, and stuffed parathas at very cheap prices—usually below ₹100—at food stalls in the neighbourhood and small eateries. There are sweets such as the famous Agra petha and refreshing lassis too, at affordable prices. For real, affordable food, look for local markets and side streets over expensive restaurants near tourist hotspots. Travel tips to save more Travelling from April to September, when accommodations and attractions are less crowded and more affordable, will save you the most. If travelling in the summery months, bring light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle. When haggling with local vendors or rickshaw operators, be respectful and have cash handy for small transactions, since many businesses don't accept digital payments.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
UPSRTC conductor crunch stalls 2,600 buses
Nearly 20% of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses—around 2,600 out of 13,000—are currently off the roads due to a shortage of conductors, according to UPSRTC spokesperson Amarnath Sahai. The corporation is now working on multiple fronts to fill the gap and support an upcoming fleet expansion. To address the shortfall, UPSRTC has reopened its 'Mritak Ashrit Scheme' after a nine-year pause. Under this scheme, 1,145 dependents of deceased employees will be appointed as conductors and 20 as drivers. Separately, a special recruitment drive targeting women received 6,150 applications against a target of 5,000 conductor positions across the state. Sahai said, 'Applications from the women's recruitment drive are being reviewed, and the final number of hires will be shared shortly.' Of the 16,298 conductors currently employed by the corporation, 3,918 are on third-party contracts. UPSRTC plans to bring in an additional 4,000 contract-based conductors soon to alleviate the staffing crunch, according to Sahai. The shortage comes at a time when the corporation is preparing to add 3,000 more buses to its fleet. 'The corporation needs to be prepared with the manpower to support the fleet expansion when it happens, as the UPSRTC is in the process of bringing 3,000 buses into the fleet—currently we do not have enough conductors even for the existing fleet,' Sahai stated. In total, UPSRTC is aiming to integrate close to 10,000 contractual conductors through a mix of in-house schemes and third-party agency support. The corporation presently employs 15,984 drivers across its operations.
