The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) has approved a draft budget of ₹991 crore for the upcoming financial year, signalling a renewed push to strengthen public transport infrastructure and improve daily commuter services across the city. The budget was cleared at a recent meeting of the AMTS committee and will now be placed before the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for final approval.
According to officials, the proposed budget prioritises operational stability, fleet modernisation, and service efficiency, at a time when urban mobility demands in Ahmedabad continue to rise sharply. With increasing population density, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns, AMTS is positioning itself as a critical pillar of affordable and sustainable transport in the city.
A significant portion of the ₹991 crore outlay is expected to go toward vehicle operations, fuel costs, staff salaries, maintenance, and depot management. Rising fuel prices and higher operational expenses have been key challenges for AMTS in recent years, and the new budget aims to address these pressures while keeping fares affordable for commuters.
Officials indicated that fleet augmentation and replacement of ageing buses form an important part of the proposal. AMTS currently operates a large number of buses that are nearing the end of their operational life, leading to higher maintenance costs and service disruptions. The draft budget includes provisions for inducting new buses, including cleaner and more fuel-efficient models, to improve reliability and passenger comfort.
Another focus area is improving service frequency and route coverage, particularly in newly developed residential zones and expanding city outskirts. As Ahmedabad grows beyond its traditional urban core, AMTS plans to strengthen last-mile connectivity and ensure public transport keeps pace with real estate and industrial expansion.
The budget also reflects AMTS’s continued coordination with the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and metro services, aiming for smoother integration across transport modes. Officials said better scheduling, shared infrastructure, and passenger-friendly ticketing systems are being explored to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
While AMTS remains a subsidised service, the draft budget attempts to balance financial discipline with social responsibility. Revenue generation through advertisements, route rationalisation, and better utilisation of depots is expected to play a role in narrowing operational losses. However, authorities acknowledged that public transport systems worldwide require sustained government support to function effectively.
Urban transport experts have welcomed the budget size, noting that sustained investment is essential to prevent service decline. At the same time, they have stressed the need for efficient execution, punctual services, and cleaner buses to win back commuters who shifted to private transport in recent years.
Once approved by the AMC, the ₹991 crore budget will guide AMTS operations for the next fiscal year. With traffic congestion and pollution remaining major civic concerns, the coming year will be crucial in determining whether the enhanced budget translates into visible improvements on Ahmedabad’s roads and a better daily experience for lakhs of commuters who rely on AMTS buses.
