Parliamentary Committee Report on Digital & Sustainable Bus Transport
Governance & Infrastructure · Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport presented its 392nd report outlining sweeping reforms for public bus transport in India. Recommendations include setting up a National Bus Terminals Authority and creating an All India Passenger Permit.
Quick highlights
- 392nd Parliamentary Standing Committee report focuses on Next-Gen Mobility reforms.
- Recommends replacing All India Tourist Permit with an integrated All India Passenger Permit.
- Proposes establishing a National Bus Terminals Authority (NBTA) on the lines of AAI.
- Suggests allocating ~25% of road infrastructure funding directly to public transport.
- Calls for an annual 'State of the States Bus Transport Index' to drive cooperative federalism.
Context
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture presented its 392nd Report, titled 'Enabling Inclusive, Digital and Sustainable Bus Transport'.
Key Facts
Key proposals include an All India Passenger Permit integrated with VAHAN and FASTag, a GIS-based National Bus Network Atlas, mandatory deployment of Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), scrap-and-lease EV fleet models, and women-staffed peak-hour transit services.
Significance
The report provides a structural blueprint to transition state transport undertakings toward zero-emission electric buses, digital interoperability, and enhanced commuter safety.
Challenges / Way Forward
States face financial constraints in upgrading bus terminal infrastructure. Dedicated budgetary heads, federated data architectures, and robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are required for implementation.
Exam Angle
Relevant for GS Paper II (Governance & Cooperative Federalism) and GS Paper III (Infrastructure & Sustainable Urban Transport).
Remember this
- Report Number: 392nd Standing Committee Report.
- Proposed Authority: National Bus Terminals Authority (NBTA).
- Permit Reform: All India Passenger Permit (replacing All India Tourist Permit).
- Funding Proposal: Allocate ~25% of road infrastructure funds to public transit.
- Performance Evaluation: State of the States Bus Transport Index.
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