Commuters in Ahmedabad are set for a major travel overhaul as the city's civic body rolls out an ambitious plan to unify all public transport under a single ticketing system. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has greenlit a massive Rs 472 crore project that promises to end the hassle of multiple tickets for different modes of transport.
One Card to Rule Them All: The End of Multiple Tickets
The core of the new initiative is the Integrated Transit Management System (ITMS) 2.0 coupled with an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). Once operational, expected within a year, passengers will need just one card or ticket to seamlessly travel on the city's AMTS buses, BRTS corridors, and the metro rail service. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Mirant Parikh confirmed that the common ticket will eventually extend to state transport buses as well.
This digital integration means a significant reduction in on-ground staff. Officials project that the current manpower dedicated to ticketing and conducting on AMTS and BRTS will be slashed by a substantial 75%, retaining only a quarter of the existing personnel. This move is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.
Driving Factors: Congestion and the Global Stage
The AMC's push for a unified, smart transport grid is driven by two key factors. First, the city's growing population and the surge in private vehicles have led to severe traffic congestion, delays, and a pressing need for more efficient public transit. Second, and crucially, with Ahmedabad chosen to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the city requires a world-class mobility system that can handle immense passenger pressure safely and reliably.
In an official statement, the AMC emphasized, "People now desire travel that is faster, safer, cleaner, and more reliable. The purpose of this project is to connect all modes of transport... to operate on a single digital platform." The statement highlighted that during global events like the Games, the transport infrastructure will be under an international spotlight.
Enhanced Commuter Experience and Real-Time Management
Beyond a common ticket, the new system is designed to significantly upgrade the passenger experience. Commuters will receive live updates on bus arrivals and pinpoint delays. Enhanced camera networks and technology will improve both crowd management and security across the network.
"The entire system will be monitored live to ensure immediate assistance in case of an emergency," the AMC note added. This real-time operational view will allow for more efficient bus routing and rapid response to any accidents or disruptions on the network.
The Integrated Transit Management System represents a foundational shift towards making Ahmedabad's public transport not just unified, but also smarter and more resilient as the city prepares for its future growth and its moment on the global stage in 2030.
