Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launches 139 new buses for tribal students

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, flagged off 139 new Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses from Gandhinagar. The buses are part of the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Janjatiya Gaurav Parivahan Seva scheme, costing Rs 33.84 crore, and bring the state’s commitment to 250 buses worth Rs 72 crore. Over 4,100 tribal students from remote, hilly districts are expected to use the service to travel to schools and colleges, with aims to boost attendance, reduce drop‑outs and promote girls’ education.

All buses are fitted with GPS for real‑time monitoring and a web portal will display student names, routes and other details. The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of 111 buses on 15 November 2023 in Dediapada, Narmada district, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.