The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) has given its formal approval to a significantly enhanced draft budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, setting the financial blueprint at a substantial Rs 1,011 crore. This marks a notable increase of Rs 20 crore from the previously proposed outlay of Rs 991 crore, reflecting the transport body's ambitious plans for modernization and expansion in the coming years.
Budget Approval and Key Allocations
The budget was officially cleared during a crucial meeting of the AMTS transport committee, which was chaired by the AMTS chairman, Dharmasingh Desai. The approved financial plan encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at bolstering the city's public transportation infrastructure, improving the existing fleet, and integrating advanced technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
Infrastructure and Fleet Enhancements
Among the most prominent allocations is a sum of Rs 9 crore dedicated to the procurement of four new double-decker buses, which are expected to augment the city's public transport capacity and offer a unique travel experience. Additionally, Rs 2 crore has been earmarked for the construction of five new tree-style bus shelters across Ahmedabad, designed to provide commuters with better waiting facilities and improved urban aesthetics.
In a move to upgrade depot infrastructure, AMTS has outlined plans to demolish the existing store building at the Jamalpur depot and construct a new, modern facility at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore. This project is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance maintenance capabilities.
Technological Innovations and Passenger Comfort
The budget also prioritizes passenger comfort and environmental sustainability. An allocation of Rs 20 lakh has been set aside for comprehensive staff behavior and training programs, aiming to improve service quality and professionalism. Furthermore, to address air quality concerns, AMTS will install in-cabin air purification systems in 70 air-conditioned buses during the initial phase, ensuring a healthier travel environment for passengers.
In a significant technological leap, the transport service has proposed the implementation of an AI-based dynamic scheduling and route optimization software, with a budget allocation of Rs 3 crore. This system is expected to revolutionize route planning, reduce travel times, and increase the overall efficiency of the bus network by adapting to real-time traffic conditions and passenger demand.
Opposition Criticism and Financial Concerns
Despite the ambitious budget, the approval has not been without controversy. The opposition, led by Shehzad Khan Pathan, the leader of the opposition in the transport committee, has voiced sharp criticism. Pathan alleged that the increased budget would disproportionately benefit private bus operators rather than strengthening AMTS' own fleet, which he claims is in a dire state.
Pathan highlighted that AMTS has accumulated a staggering debt of Rs 5,620 crore over the past decade, even as its annual budgets continue to rise. He pointed out that AMTS owns only 118 buses, most of which are non-operational due to poor maintenance, forcing reliance on privately operated buses. These private buses, according to Pathan, are frequently involved in accidents and incidents such as buses catching fire, yet no strict action has been taken against the operators despite repeated representations.
The opposition's concerns underscore the challenges facing AMTS, including financial sustainability and fleet management, even as it moves forward with its modernization agenda. The debate over the budget reflects broader issues in public transport governance and the balance between public and private sector roles in urban mobility.
