Latest news with #UttarPradeshStateRoadTransportCorporation
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
40 bus stop-cum-shelters to come up in Varanasi for passenger comfort
1 2 3 Varanasi: Since the inauguration of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the subsequent development of infrastructure, including improved connectivity and amenities, Kashi has witnessed a steady rise in tourist arrivals. To cater to the increasing number of visitors, the govt is prioritising the enhancement of public transportation. A ropeway project is currently underway to boost urban mobility. Additionally, modern and convenient bus shelters are being introduced for electric bus passengers, offering tourists comfortable waiting areas. Plans are in place to operate 50 such bus shelters at various locations, including Lanka to Sarnath Road and Airport Road, with 10 already functional. According to Parshuram Pandey, regional manager of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Varanasi is set to get 40 modern bus stop shelters that will provide passengers a comfortable and organised waiting space. The shelters will come in different sizes, depending on the available space, and will be designed with eco-friendliness in mind, featuring solar panels and backup power connections. They will also display real-time bus information and offer amenities like vending zones and public vehicle charging points. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo " A total of 50 modern bus stop shelters are to be operated in Varanasi for passenger convenience, with 10 already operational," he said, adding that locations for 26 have been identified, and places for 14 more bus stop shelters will be identified soon, providing significant relief to passengers from extreme weather. Varanasi City Transport Services Limited is already operating 50 AC electric buses in Varanasi. Meanwhile, the construction of India's first urban transport ropeway is in full swing. The civil work for the construction of all three ropeway stations for the first section has been completed. About 85% of the facade, interior and equipment installation for the operation of the ropeway at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rath Yatra stations has also ended. The work for the first section from Cantt to Rath Yatra in the first phase is proposed to be completed by June. Prakash Gaur, the CEO of National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), said that the construction of the ropeway station and the installation of equipment are being carried out according to international safety standards. The construction work at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rath Yatra stations in the first section of the first phase is progressing rapidly, with the civil work at all three stations completed. Engineers from the Austrian expert company "Rope Experts" conducted rope pulling for the ropeway's operation. The trial run began on Jan 30 and was successfully completed in April. Almost all equipment installation and testing for the ropeway's operation have been completed, with 98% of the equipment installation at all three stations finished, he said.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Three-day drive to crack down on illegal, overloaded buses in GB Nagar
The Gautam Budh Nagar transport department is conducting a three-day enforcement drive from May 15 to 17 against unauthorised and overloaded buses across the district. On Thursday, on the first day of the drive, the department seized 25 buses, nine from Morna depot alone, officials said. The campaign, which ends on May 17, aims to curb violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, with a sharp focus on passenger safety and regulatory compliance. The enforcement teams, including ARTOs and Passenger Tax Officers, are conducting intensive checks at high-traffic locations such as Yamuna Expressway, Mahamaya Flyover, Sector 37, and Pari Chowk. 'The safety of commuters is non-negotiable. We have directed the transport department to take strict action against any unauthorised or overloaded buses operating in the district. Regular monitoring and sustained enforcement will continue to ensure compliance,' said Manish Kumar Verma, district magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar. The primary goal is to identify and act against buses operating without valid permits and those exceeding prescribed seating capacity, said assistant regional transport officer (enforcement) Udit Narayan Pandey, who is overseeing the campaign. Such vehicles are not only a threat to road safety but also compromise the comfort and rights of passengers, officials said. Transport department officials said that strict penalties will be imposed under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, and repeat offenders could face cancellation of their vehicle permits. Additionally, drivers found speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, or operating while sleep-deprived will risk having their licenses revoked. 'The three-day drive is focused on identifying and penalizing buses operating without valid permits or carrying passengers beyond capacity. Such practices directly endanger lives and violate transport regulations. We urge passengers to avoid overcrowded vehicles and cooperate with authorities in ensuring safer journeys,' said ARTO (enforcement) Pandey. The transport department has appealed to commuters to use only Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses or other legally permitted private operators. 'We urge passengers to board only those buses that are legally permitted and within capacity limits. Public cooperation is crucial in making our roads safer and the transport system more efficient,' added the ARTO.
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
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.
