Jaipur's Aging Bus Fleet: 90 Buses Past Service Life Still Operating on City Roads
A significant public transport crisis is unfolding in Jaipur, where nearly 90 city buses that have already completed their designated service life are still operating on urban roads. This situation starkly highlights the severe shortage of public transport vehicles in the Pink City, forcing authorities to rely on aging and technically condemned fleets to meet daily commuter demands.
Recent Extensions Granted to Condemned Buses
On a recent Friday, Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) officials granted a critical six-month extension to 70 of these buses, allowing them to continue running until September 11, 2026. This decision underscores the pressing logistical challenges and delays in procuring new buses to replace the outdated fleet.
Breakdown of the Todi Depot Fleet
The majority of these aging buses belong to the Todi depot, where approximately 100 buses are currently in active operation. A detailed analysis reveals:
- 30 buses were officially declared condemned in September 2025 and received a six-month extension at that time.
- 10 air-conditioned buses were completely condemned, leading to an immediate halt in their operations.
- 70 additional buses from the same Todi depot were declared condemned in March 2026, with their operational lifeline extended just last Friday for another six months.
Contractual and Operational Implications
According to JCTSL officials, the contract period for the 100 buses operating from the Todi depot formally ended on March 12, 2026. However, citing public convenience and the acute lack of replacement vehicles, the contract has been pragmatically extended until September 11, 2026. This extension means that a substantial portion of Jaipur's bus fleet has technically exceeded its service life, yet remains indispensable for daily urban mobility.
Contrast with the Bagharana Depot
In a contrasting scenario, about 100 buses operating from the Bagharana depot are still considered fit for service and have not been declared condemned. This disparity between depots further emphasizes the uneven state of public transport infrastructure across different zones of the city.
Impact on Commuters and Future Expectations
Despite the technical condemnations, thousands of daily commuters continue to rely on these aging buses for essential travel across Jaipur, underscoring the critical role of public transport in urban life. Both passengers and bus staff are now anxiously awaiting the induction of new buses, which is expected to strengthen the city's public transport fleet significantly and enhance service quality for all daily passengers. The ongoing delays in new bus arrivals have created a precarious dependency on an aging fleet, raising concerns about safety, reliability, and overall service efficiency in Jaipur's public transportation network.
