MoRTH Greenlights Rs 22.71 Crore ITS Project for Chandigarh's Long-Route Buses
In a major step forward for public transport safety and modernization, the Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has given its formal approval for the implementation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) targeting the long-route buses operated by the Chandigarh administration. This initiative, with a total budget of Rs 22.71 crore, is designed to significantly upgrade the operational capabilities and commuter security of the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU).
Funding Structure and Release Conditions
The financial blueprint for this project involves a collaborative funding model between the central government and the Union Territory administration. Specifically, the central government will contribute Rs 15.89 crore, covering 70% of the overall expenditure, while the Chandigarh administration will shoulder the remaining 30%. To ensure fiscal discipline and transparency, MoRTH has outlined a phased release of its funds in three instalments: 50%, 40%, and 10%, each tied to stringent conditions.
According to official communications, the first instalment of Rs 7.948 crore has been sanctioned for release in the 2025-26 fiscal year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by CTU. Subsequent disbursements are contingent upon the submission of utilisation certificates and progress reports as per the General Financial Rules 2017, with an independent third-party audit required post-commissioning to verify proper implementation.
Key Technological Components of the ITS
The approved ITS package encompasses several advanced technological systems aimed at revolutionizing bus operations:
- Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS): Enables real-time tracking of buses for enhanced fleet management.
- Automatic Fare Collection System: Streamlines payment processes and reduces revenue leakage.
- Transit Management Centre: Provides a centralized hub for monitoring and coordinating bus movements.
- Depot Management Centre: Optimizes maintenance and scheduling at bus depots.
- Grievance Redress Mechanism System: Offers a structured platform for passengers to report issues and seek resolutions.
Integration of these components is expected to facilitate comprehensive real-time monitoring, operational streamlining, and a marked improvement in commuter safety across CTU's network.
Operational Impact and Fleet Details
Officials highlight that the ITS project will modernize CTU's long-route services, aligning them with national transport standards through enhanced tracking, efficient fare management, and improved grievance handling. CTU currently operates approximately 220 long-route buses that connect Chandigarh to various states across India, departing from key terminals such as ISBT Sector 17 and ISBT Sector 43. The implementation of ITS will allow for more dynamic scheduling and route management based on passenger demand and operational data.
Additional conditions set by MoRTH include mandates for a long-term software contract and a cost-sharing model for NCMC cards, where only 50% of the expense will be covered by central funds, with the remainder to be recovered from users by the state transport undertaking.
