The newly constituted Mehsana Municipal Corporation inaugurated its first-ever city bus service on Monday, introducing a fleet of 18 eco-friendly buses designed to ease local transportation challenges and promote greener commuting alternatives.
Setting a symbolic tone for the initiative, Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak personally took the wheel of the inaugural bus, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and accessible public transport.
The launch marks a pivotal moment for Mehsana, one of Gujarat’s prominent cities, which has been rapidly expanding its urban infrastructure to accommodate a growing population. The introduction of a structured city bus network is expected to significantly reduce the city’s reliance on private vehicles, thereby easing traffic congestion, lowering vehicular emissions, and supporting Gujarat’s broader mission towards achieving net-zero carbon goals. Public transport is a key pillar in building equitable and eco-friendly cities, and Mehsana’s initiative reflects a growing national trend where smaller urban centres are taking bold steps towards sustainable urban living.
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Mayank Nayak, a resident of Mehsana, emphasised his personal connection to the project. Holding a valid heavy motor vehicle licence, he chose to drive the first bus himself, joined by local MLAs and municipal office-bearers. His act was not merely ceremonial but aimed at inspiring citizens to embrace the new service. Nayak also recommended the addition of amenities such as onboard drinking water facilities, especially crucial during the harsh summer months, to enhance commuter comfort and encourage greater ridership.
The newly introduced fleet is expected to play a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint of daily commuting. With Mehsana’s summers often recording soaring temperatures, the need for energy-efficient, well-maintained public transport becomes even more critical. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other municipal corporations across India, particularly in tier-two and tier-three cities, where balancing urbanisation with environmental sustainability is emerging as a significant challenge.As cities across India strive to reimagine their urban transport systems to be more inclusive, gender-neutral, and eco-conscious, Mehsana’s bus service launch is a promising stride towards a future where city life is not just about growth but about growing responsibly.
Although much work remains in ensuring that these services are accessible, affordable, and sustainably maintained, the move signals an encouraging alignment of civic ambition with broader environmental goals.With the public transport sector acting as a frontline solution to urban pollution and congestion, Mehsana’s latest venture is a welcome development. It demonstrates that when city planners, public representatives, and citizens come together with a shared vision for sustainable living, real and meaningful progress is possible.
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