Parliamentary Committee Report on Digital and Sustainable Bus Transport

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Key takeaways

The Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 392nd Report recommending comprehensive reforms for India bus transport sector.
The report proposes allocating around 25% of road infrastructure funding specifically to public transport systems.
Key recommendations include replacing the current permit with an All India Passenger Permit and setting up a National Bus Terminals Authority (NBTA).
The committee advocates establishing a nationwide National Bus Digital Grid and launching women-operated bus services during peak hours.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture recently presented its 392nd Report in Parliament.
This report provides a comprehensive roadmap to transform India bus transport network through digitalization, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships.

The committee recommended replacing the existing All India Tourist Permit with a new All India Passenger Permit.
It suggested integrating these new permits with digital platforms like VAHAN, FASTag, and real-time vehicle tracking systems.

The report suggests creating a National Bus Terminals Authority (NBTA) on lines similar to the Airports Authority of India.
The government should introduce an official National Code for Bus Terminals to standardize passenger amenities and safety.

India needs a unified digital bus platform across all states to ensure seamless inter-state mobility.
The committee recommended developing a map-based National Bus Network Atlas using GIS mapping technology.

Transport authorities must complete the rollout of Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) across the country to verify vehicle fitness.
Officials must enforce mandatory checks for fire safety systems, emergency exit doors, and panic alert devices.

Public transport operators should adopt scrap-and-lease fleet models to reduce initial capital expenditure.
The government must establish clear frameworks for recycling electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life cycle.
Authorities should set up dedicated regional manufacturing and maintenance hubs for electric buses.

State transport corporations should run dedicated peak-hour bus services operated by female drivers and conductors.
The government should establish a National Tourist Bus Grid offering unified ticketing across multiple transport modes.
The report highlights the need for accredited Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facilities for passenger buses.

The central government should create an independent budget allocation specifically for public transit infrastructure.
The report recommends allocating around 25% of total road infrastructure funds directly to public bus transport.

The government should publish an annual State of the States Bus Transport Index to foster competition among states.

All state governments must integrate their local vehicle registration databases into the central VAHAN platform.
The central authority should build a shared national database while ensuring states retain full ownership of their data.