Nagpur’s public transport system is running on fumes — both financially and on the ground. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is bleeding money to keep its 400 buses on the road, spending a staggering ₹60 lakh daily, while earning only ₹20 lakh. That’s a daily loss of ₹40 lakh — or ₹146 crore every year.
In its 2025–26 budget, the NMC has allocated ₹170 crore for its transport wing — ₹146 crore just to keep buses running and ₹24 crore for maintenance and new purchases. But even that doesn’t cover the full cost. The real burden is ₹243 crore, leaving a gaping deficit of ₹73 crore.
Despite these numbers, services remain patchy. Many buses run near-empty during off-peak hours, while some neighborhoods lack basic connectivity. Promised tech upgrades like GPS tracking, digital ticketing, and smart route planning remain unfulfilled. Several buses are grounded due to maintenance issues, and the ones on roads often cater to just a handful of passengers.
Frustration is mounting. “It’s like pouring diesel on a bonfire of public funds,” said a senior civic officer. “Five passengers in a bus while thousands wait for reliable transit — that’s not public service.”
Citizen groups are demanding answers. “₹170 crore could transform healthcare or repair crumbling infrastructure. Instead, we’re paying for ghost buses and outdated promises,” said a local activist.
With losses mounting and pressure building, calls for bold reforms are growing louder — from private partnerships to leadership audits. Until then, Nagpur’s buses will keep moving — but the system itself is going nowhere fast.
