Indore’s BRTS dismantling sparks public outcry: Citizens decry move as step backward

K K Jha
Indore: The recent decision to dismantle Indore’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) has ignited widespread public dissatisfaction, with many residents expressing that the move undermines public transportation in favor of private vehicle convenience.
On February 27, 2025, the Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the removal of Indore’s 11.8 km-long BRTS corridor, constructed in 2013 at a cost of approximately ₹350 crore. The court deemed the corridor impractical under current circumstances, referencing an expert committee’s findings that the BRTS was no longer necessary.
The dismantling process commenced on February 28, with the Indore Municipal Corporation initiating the removal of BRTS lane railings between GPO and Shivaji Vatika. Approximately 50 officials and workers participated in the overnight operation, which concluded by 6 am on Saturday.
This action has been met with significant opposition from the public. Many residents argue that the BRTS, known locally as iBus, was an effective public transport solution that served between 50,000 and 65,000 commuters daily. They contend that the real issue lies in inadequate planning for regular traffic, not the BRTS itself.
One concerned citizen remarked, “I am from Indore, and iBus is very successful here. The only issue is that common traffic needs more space, and the BRTS lane blocks it. But that doesn’t mean you remove the whole thing.”
Another resident expressed fears that dismantling the BRTS would exacerbate traffic problems, stating, “This will only make traffic worse. It feels like the government cares more about private cars than public transport.”
Some critics attribute the system’s challenges to leadership rather than the BRTS itself. A local commentator noted, “Indore’s BRTS wasn’t a failure. Our leaders were. If you really want to know how Indore people feel, go check r/Indore.”
In response to these concerns, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav assured the public that while the BRTS corridor is being removed, iBus services will continue on AB Road. Adjustments, such as relocating stops to the left-hand side of the roads and potentially increasing the number of buses, are planned to maintain accessible and effective public transportation.
Despite these assurances, the prevailing sentiment among Indore’s residents is that dismantling the BRTS represents a regression in urban planning. Many believe that enhancing and expanding public transportation infrastructure, rather than removing it, is essential for the city’s sustainable development.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether public opinion will influence future transportation policies in Indore.