Gujarat : GSRTC’s Automatic Bus Washers Delight Passengers 

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Gone are the days of dusty, mud-splattered state transport buses in Gujarat. In a significant leap towards enhancing passenger experience, the Gujarat State Transport Corporation (GSRTC), under the proactive guidance of Minister of State for Transport Harsh Sanghvi, has rolled out a state-wide initiative, making ‘Automatic Vehicle Washing Machines’ operational in 33 of its major depots.

This innovative move ensures that every bus, from the humble mini-bus to the luxurious Volvo sleeper, now receives a thorough cleaning, promising commuters not just safe but also impeccably clean rides. The initiative is already garnering positive reactions from passengers who are welcoming this focus on hygiene and comfort.

The implementation of these automatic washing systems underscores GSRTC’s commitment to prioritizing cleanliness alongside safety and efficiency. While sanitation workers continue their crucial work in maintaining clean depots and bus stations, these automated machines are adding a new dimension to bus hygiene, tackling the exterior grime that accumulates during long journeys.

“It’s a fantastic initiative!” exclaimed Rekha Patel, a frequent GSRTC express bus traveler from Ahmedabad to Rajkot. “Earlier, especially after a spell of rain, the buses would get so dirty. Now, seeing a sparkling clean bus makes the journey feel much more pleasant and hygienic.”

Echoing this sentiment, Suresh Mehta, a daily commuter on a local GSRTC bus in Vadodara, shared, “Cleanliness is something we always appreciate, whether it’s a bus or a train. It shows that the authorities care about the passengers’ well-being. These automatic washers are a welcome change.”

Currently, 33 depots across Gujarat, including major hubs like Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Bhuj, are equipped with these automatic washing machines. The impressive list also includes Sanand, Anand, Nadiad, Morbi, Mehsana, and Bhavnagar, among others. GSRTC isn’t stopping here; plans are already in motion to operationalize seven more machines soon at Khambhaliya, Valsad, Himmatnagar, Godhra, Vadodara (Panigate), Dahod, and Ughna depots.

Looking ahead, the corporation has ambitious plans to extend this facility to a total of 40 depots across the state, encompassing regions from Amreli and Junagadh to Bharuch and Navsari. This widespread implementation reflects GSRTC’s dedication to providing a consistently clean travel experience for all citizens of Gujarat.

The investment in this large-scale cleanliness drive is substantial. GSRTC has procured 80 ‘Automatic Vehicle Washing Machines’ at a total cost of ₹11.80 crores. Each machine can clean a bus in a swift 5 to 7 minutes, washing the front, sides, and rear effectively. This rapid cleaning cycle ensures minimal disruption to bus schedules while maximizing the number of clean buses on the road.

“Traveling in a clean bus just feels better,” commented Arvind Singh, a passenger on a Volvo bus from Surat to Ahmedabad. “It might seem like a small thing, but it really adds to the overall comfort of the journey. Kudos to GSRTC for taking this step.”