Nagpur’s public transport system is struggling to stay afloat, both financially and operationally. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is facing a severe financial drain, spending an astonishing ₹60 lakh daily to operate its 400 buses, while earning only ₹20 lakh in return. This results in a daily loss of ₹40 lakh, translating to a staggering annual deficit of ₹146 crore.
In the 2025–26 budget, the NMC has allocated ₹170 crore for its transport wing, with ₹146 crore designated solely for running the buses and ₹24 crore for maintenance and new acquisitions. However, this funding falls short of the actual costs, which total ₹243 crore, leaving a significant deficit of ₹73 crore.
Despite these alarming figures, public transport services remain inconsistent. Many buses operate with minimal passengers during off-peak hours, while several neighborhoods experience a lack of basic connectivity. Promised technological upgrades, such as GPS tracking, digital ticketing, and smart route planning, have yet to materialize. Additionally, numerous buses are out of service due to maintenance issues, and those that are operational often cater to only a handful of passengers.
Frustration among residents is palpable. A senior civic officer remarked, “It’s like pouring diesel on a bonfire of public funds. Five passengers in a bus while thousands wait for reliable transit—that’s not public service.”
Citizen groups are increasingly vocal, demanding accountability. A local activist stated, “₹170 crore could transform healthcare or repair crumbling infrastructure. Instead, we’re funding ghost buses and outdated promises.”
As financial losses continue to escalate and pressure mounts, calls for bold reforms are growing louder, ranging from private partnerships to leadership audits. Until meaningful changes are implemented, Nagpur’s buses may keep operating, but the transport system itself appears to be going nowhere fast. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share, do comment below sharing your thoughts.
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