Uttarakhand Adds 100 Buses To Boost Public Transport

In addition to the 100 buses, the chief minister also dedicated 10 air-conditioned buses and two sleeper buses, which are being operated on a contract basis. The event also saw the release of a UTC publication titled Anwarat and a road safety calendar, while a group of employees was recognised for services delivered under challenging conditions.

The state government said the new buses are intended to enhance capacity and improve service quality across routes in Uttarakhand, including hill districts where steep gradients and difficult terrain often affect operations. Reliable public transport remains critical in the state due to dispersed settlements and heavy dependence on road connectivity for access to education, healthcare, markets and tourism.

According to the statement, the new buses are equipped with technology aimed at improving passenger safety and operational oversight. These include GPS-based tracking systems, CCTV cameras, e-ticketing facilities, fleet monitoring tools and structured maintenance schedules. Officials said these measures would support real-time tracking, incident recording, reduced manual ticketing and better adherence to routes and timetables.

The government also reiterated plans to introduce electric buses into the UTC fleet in the near term. While no specific timelines or procurement details were outlined, the proposal aligns with a broader trend among states to adopt electric buses for urban and intercity transport.

Alongside fleet expansion, the statement highlighted progress in transport infrastructure linked to UTC operations. Construction has been completed at more than 13 bus stations and workshops, while work is ongoing at 14 additional locations, including four Inter-State Bus Terminals. Such facilities are seen as critical to improving vehicle turnaround times, maintenance standards and the reliability of services on long-distance and high-altitude routes.

The government also referred to staff-related measures, including revisions in dearness allowance, implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and recruitment to address manpower shortages. Adequate staffing levels, officials said, are essential for maintaining services during peak travel seasons and adverse weather conditions.

Dhami said the state views the transport corporation as a service delivery institution and is focused on making it more accountable and responsive. The event was attended by cabinet ministers Ganesh Joshi and Subodh Uniyal, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, legislators and senior officials, including UTC Managing Director and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi.

The expansion comes as Uttarakhand continues to invest in public transport capacity, terminal infrastructure and technology-enabled operations, while signalling a gradual shift towards electric mobility.