State launches services on 57 routes in Bastar and Surguja divisions; rural transport initiative set to expand to 200 buses next year
TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 20, 2026: In a major push towards inclusive development and improved rural mobility, the Chhattisgarh government has rolled out passenger bus services on 57 routes under the Chief Minister’s Rural Bus Scheme 2025, bringing public transport connectivity to 330 villages for the first time. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening transport infrastructure in remote and previously underserved rural regions of the state.
The scheme is being implemented in a phased manner, with the first phase covering districts of the Bastar and Surguja divisions—areas where lack of regular passenger transport has long hindered access to essential services. Under the programme, 57 buses have begun operations across 57 carefully selected routes, directly benefiting thousands of residents in interior villages.
Officials said the core objective of the scheme is to link rural habitations with block headquarters, tehsil towns, district headquarters and nearby urban centres where public transport facilities were either absent or irregular. Improved connectivity is expected to ease access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, markets and administrative services, significantly improving the quality of life for rural citizens.
To ensure the financial viability of operations on low-traffic rural routes, the state government is extending direct financial assistance to bus operators on a per-kilometre basis. Under the scheme, operators receive support of ₹26 per kilometre in the first year, ₹24 per kilometre in the second year and ₹22 per kilometre in the third year. Additionally, complete exemption from road tax is being provided for up to three years, making rural bus services economically sustainable and attractive for private operators.
The route selection process has been designed to be transparent and need-based. Routes are finalised by a state-level committee after detailed recommendations from district-level committees, ensuring that priority is given to areas with genuine transport gaps. Bus operations on selected routes are awarded through a competitive tender process, with permits granted to eligible bidders quoting the lowest rates, thereby minimising the financial burden on the state exchequer. Permits are issued only after due hearings and completion of all regulatory formalities.
At present, bus services are operational across multiple districts, including Sukma (8 buses), Narayanpur (4), Jagdalpur (2), Kondagaon (4), Kanker (6), Dantewada (7), Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (2), Surajpur (6), Koriya (5), Jashpur (7), Balrampur (4) and Ambikapur (2). In total, 57 buses are serving 57 rural routes under the scheme.
Officials added that the process for starting services on 12 additional rural routes has already been completed, while 15 more routes have been identified and tenders invited. Under the future action plan, the state government aims to operate around 200 buses under the Chief Minister’s Rural Bus Scheme in the 2026–27 financial year.
The initiative is expected to play a transformative role in enhancing rural connectivity, boosting economic activity, improving social inclusion and empowering communities in some of the state’s most remote regions.
