Nagaon: Nagaon has started its City Bus Service from Wednesday, bringing an organized public transport system to the town (City Bus Service Nagaon). After Guwahati, Nagaon has now become one of the towns in Assam to introduce a structured city bus service.
The initiative has been undertaken by the Nagaon district administration and the District Transport Department with the aim of making daily travel easier for students, employees, and the general public. The service is expected to improve traffic movement and provide a more convenient commuting option within the town.
The formal inauguration took place at Nehrubali on Wednesday. The buses were flagged off by Rupak Sharma, MLA of the Nagaon–Batadrava constituency, Debashish Sharma, District Commissioner of Nagaon, and Simanta Bora, District Transport Officer.
In the initial phase, a total of eight buses will operate across three main corridors. The routes include:
Bebejia Chariali to Puranigudam,
Puranigudam to Bebejia Chariali,
Dhing Gate to Kampur Town,
Kampur Town to Dhing Gate,
Dimou Chariali to Rupohi Bazaar, and
Rupohi Bazaar to Dimou Chariali.
The buses will run daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Out of the eight buses, six started operating from Wednesday, while the remaining two will begin service from Thursday.
From Thursday, the City Bus Service will also operate from Nagaon town to Batadrava. Batadrava is known as the birthplace of the 15th-century saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva. The extension is expected to benefit visitors traveling to Batadrava and to the newly constructed Srimanta Sankardeva Abirbhav Kshetra.
District Commissioner Debashish Sharma said that e-rickshaw drivers are part of the local community and should not be discouraged. However, he noted that an excessive number of e-rickshaws creates difficulties in the town. He stated that if private vehicle owners are unable to move freely due to congestion, the administration must take necessary steps.
He also mentioned that many e-rickshaw drivers charge fares at their own discretion. The City Bus Service has been introduced to create a more organized transport system and to address traffic congestion in Nagaon. He added that efforts have been made to keep fares affordable so that people can travel to their destinations at lower costs.
The District Commissioner further said that while the system may not be perfect in the beginning, improvements will be made gradually over time. According to him, a developed town must aim to reduce traffic congestion and establish reliable public bus services.
MLA Rupak Sharma said the service has been started on a trial basis through private buses. If public cooperation is received, steps will be taken to continue the service permanently. He also mentioned that efforts will be made to introduce green buses in the future along with private buses.
He stated that from Thursday, buses connecting Nagaon town to Batadrava will begin operations. This will help pilgrims and visitors traveling to Srimanta Sankardeva’s birthplace and the newly developed Srimanta Sankardeva Arbibhav Kshetra.
The MLA also pointed out that people from surrounding areas frequently come to the town for official work, medical services, and market-related needs. Through the City Bus Service, commuters will be able to travel at affordable fares.
For a long time, residents of Nagaon have depended mainly on e-rickshaws and private vehicles, often facing traffic congestion and inconsistent fares. With eight buses now operating daily, the City Bus Service marks a structured step toward improving urban transport in Nagaon.
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