CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates New Transport Services and Digital Initiatives in Lucknow

On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated various services of the Transport Department, including digital launches and foundation laying, at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow. Congratulating the department, the CM said that the Transport Department is the largest medium of public transport in the state and must become a driving force in building a developed India.

He highlighted that the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) owns the largest fleet in the country. While this is an achievement, it also brings big challenges. Appreciating the initiative of providing free bus travel for sisters during Raksha Bandhan, CM Yogi urged the department to expand and effectively promote such schemes in the future.

Keeping Pace with Time is Essential

CM Yogi remarked, “Any individual, society, or nation that lags behind time, remains behind forever. But those who can move two steps ahead of time, unfurl the flag of victory.”

He directed the Transport Department to prepare short-term (3 years), medium-term (10 years), and long-term (22 years) plans. He gave strict instructions to end the culture of delaying files, speed up grievance redressal, and strengthen teamwork within the department for timely results.

Transport Department: A Reliable Partner During Crisis

CM Yogi recalled the department’s remarkable service during critical times. In the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, when millions of laborers and workers were returning to their states and villages, the Transport Department not only helped people in Uttar Pradesh but also facilitated safe travel to states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand.

In the recently held Prayagraj Mahakumbh, the department successfully managed massive crowds at railway stations and other locations, ensuring safe transportation for millions of devotees. The CM said, “In every crisis, the Transport Department has proved to be a true partner of time, serving society and the state.”

Road Safety: The Biggest Challenge

Highlighting road safety as a serious challenge, CM Yogi noted that more people die annually in road accidents than those lost in three years of Covid-19. Most of these victims are young, leaving families devastated. He stressed that ensuring road safety is the Transport Department’s prime responsibility.

He instructed that bus drivers must undergo medical and physical fitness tests every three months, especially eye check-ups, to prevent accidents caused by poor eyesight. He added, “There can be no liberty for reckless driving on the road.”

Awareness and Coordination Are Key

The CM called for a comprehensive public awareness campaign on road safety. This would include technical support from institutions like IIT Kharagpur, coordination with the police and other departments, and incorporating traffic rule education in schools.

He emphasized strict enforcement of rules related to helmets, seat belts, drunk driving, and overspeeding. He also urged the use of digital, print, social, and visual media for mass awareness. “The law may sometimes seem strict, but it ultimately guarantees your safety and life,” CM Yogi added.

He underlined that road safety is not just the responsibility of the government or the department but of every section of society—rural and urban, young and old, men and women. With collective effort, road accidents can be minimized.

The CM also mentioned an app developed by UP Police to identify accident-prone zones. With its help, accidents in some places dropped from 18 per month to just 3. He stressed the need for eco-friendly development, saying that electric vehicles (EVs) will play a crucial role in achieving the Prime Minister’s Net Zero Emission target. Through EV adoption and better rural connectivity, the transport and urban development departments can not only reduce pollution but also create up to 300,000 new jobs.

Modern Bus Stations, Electric Buses, and Scrapping Policy

CM Yogi directed the department to modernize services in line with today’s needs. Bus stations must be equipped with world-class facilities, buses should not be parked haphazardly, and passengers should enjoy a clean and safe environment.

He emphasized that electric buses will not only protect the environment but also offer a better travel experience. Private sector participation should be encouraged in setting up charging stations. At the same time, scrapping of old vehicles should be promoted to reduce pollution and the risk of accidents.

He further stressed strengthening driving training institutes and ensuring accountability within the department. Referring to events like the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, he said the Transport Department has already proved its capacity by safely transporting millions of passengers. Now, with short, medium, and long-term planning, the department must become a key driver of the state’s development.

The program was also attended by Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLAs Jai Devi, Amresh Kumar, OP Srivastava, Yogesh Shukla, MLCs Ramchandra Pradhan and Mukesh Sharma, Principal Secretary (Transport) Amit Gupta, Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh, UPSRTC MD Masoom Ali Sarwar, among others.