Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), run by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), today presented its ₹991 crore budget for 2026–27, with a strong focus on modernising the city’s public transport system and making it more environment-friendly and passenger-centric.

A major highlight of the budget is AMTS’s target to ensure that all buses in Ahmedabad become electric and air-conditioned by 2030.

Out of the total ₹991 crore budget, the revenue component stands at ₹958 crore, while the capital budget is ₹33 crore. AMTS expects an income of ₹358 crore, including ₹100 crore support from the Municipal Corporation. A loan of ₹600 crore is also anticipated. Meanwhile, salary and pension expenses are estimated at ₹347 crore.

Key transport targets

Complete electrification by 2030: AMTS aims to convert its entire fleet into AC electric buses by 2030.

Fleet expansion: The total number of buses is planned to increase to 1,600 during 2026–27. During the budget year, out of a total fleet of 1,571 buses, it is planned to operate 1,492 buses on regular days, excluding public holidays. This will be almost double the number of buses currently in operation.

New electric buses: As part of the plan to fully electrify all AMTS buses by 2030, AMTS has issued a work order to procure 225 electric (9-metre) buses under the GCC model in 2026–27, following the completion of the contract for 225 CNG (9-metre) buses. Of these, 25 buses have already been delivered as of today.

Route expansion: Surveys will be conducted to improve bus frequency and introduce new routes in surrounding villages and GIDC areas.

AMTS also plans to start special bus services to heritage and tourism locations during the year, along with operating electric buses on both banks of the riverfront.

Infrastructure and facilities

Multilevel bus depot: Gujarat’s first multilevel bus depot has been proposed in the budget.

Solar charging stations: Solar-panel charging stations will be developed at Jamalpur, Vasna, Vadaj and Memnagar depots using grants from the 15th Finance Commission.

Green bus shelters: AMTS plans to build ‘Green Bus Shelters’ for passengers and construct 300 decorative shelters using MP and MLA grants.

Bus port on Outer Ring Road: A bus port will be built on the Outer Side Ring Road through multi-modal integration with AMTS, BRTS, Metro, GSRTC and other vehicles.

Training centre: AMTS also plans to set up a training centre for driver-conductors.

Passenger schemes and concessions

Manpasand Ticket: The day-long travel scheme will continue, priced at ₹20 for women and ₹45 for men.

Student passes: Monthly concessional passes will be offered at ₹400 and ₹350.

Free travel: Senior citizens above 65 years, visually impaired persons, and mentally challenged students (along with one guardian) will receive free travel benefits.

Worker benefits: Free travel is also planned for workers registered with the Shramyogi Kalyan Board.

Bus hire facility: Citizens will be able to hire buses occasionally, with fares fixed at ₹4,500 for the first three hours within city limits and ₹7,500 for trips outside Ahmedabad.

With this budget, AMTS aims to take a step towards providing cleaner, more efficient and passenger-friendly transport services in Ahmedabad. DeshGujarat