Indore City Bus Pass Rates Triple; Students Protest Price Hike

The discontinuation of the Mayor Pass Scheme has led to a steep rise in monthly travel expenses for students and senior citizens in Indore.

 Thousands of students in Indore are facing a financial crunch following a sharp hike in the prices of AICTSL city bus passes. The monthly pass, which previously cost ₹200 under a subsidized scheme, has now jumped to ₹600, triggering widespread protests at the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) headquarters on Thursday.

The price revision follows the discontinuation of the 'Mayor Pass Scheme' after the Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited (AICTSL) transitioned from the Urban Development Department to the Transport Department. This structural shift has effectively ended the local municipal subsidy that cushioned travel costs for the city’s student population.

Students Voice Financial Distress

For many outstation students living in Indore, the city bus is the only affordable means of commuting. Saloni, a student from Seoni residing in the Tejaji Nagar area, expressed her concern while speaking to reporters. She noted that her monthly travel budget has effectively tripled overnight.

"Earlier, ₹600 covered my travel for three months. Now, that same amount only lasts for one month. For those of us living in hostels, this puts a massive strain on our monthly expenses," she said. Another student, Veena, highlighted that many of her classmates have stopped recharging their passes altogether due to the high costs.

Sudden Withdrawal of Subsidies

The primary reason for the price surge is the exit of the Indore Municipal Corporation from the subsidy model. According to AICTSL CEO Artha Jain, the company is undergoing a structural transformation as it moves under the state’s Transport Department.

"The Mayor Pass Scheme has ended as the company is no longer under the municipal corporation's direct ambit. To mitigate the impact, we are offering a 50% subsidy from AICTSL's side, bringing the ₹800 standard pass down to ₹600 for special categories," Jain explained.

Impact on Daily Commuters

The hike hasn't just affected students. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and small-scale traders who rely on the bus network are also feeling the pinch. Chandu Shinde, a local hardware trader, mentioned that while his travel is frequent, the increased rates make daily business logistics difficult.

The current pricing structure now lists General Passes at ₹1,200 and Special Category Passes (for students and seniors) at ₹600. Previously, the municipal contribution allowed students to access these services at a fraction of the current cost.

Protests at Municipal HQ

On Thursday, a large group of students led by the Jai Yuva Adivasi Shakti (JAYES) student wing staged a demonstration at the IMC headquarters. Protesters handed over a memorandum to officials, demanding an immediate rollback of the price hike.

The protesters argued that Indore is an educational hub where many students live on a shoe-string budget. "Many students here skip meals to save for their education. The administration did not consider the plight of these youngsters before tripling the rates," said Pawan Ahirwar, District President of the student organization.

Administrative Shift Explained

Sources indicated that the transition of bus companies across Madhya Pradesh to the Transport Department is part of a statewide policy. As AICTSL detaches from the local urban body, the IMC is no longer obligated to provide the "Mayor Pass" contribution.

While the AICTSL management maintains that they are trying to keep the rates as low as possible without municipal aid, the gap between the old subsidized rate and the new commercial rate remains a point of contention for the public.

Future Outlook and Demands

The student unions have issued a stern warning to the administration, stating that they will intensify their agitation and surround government offices if the prices are not revised. They are seeking a restoration of the ₹200 monthly pass to ensure education remains accessible.