The sudden and permanent suspension of the Bharuch–Vedach local ST bus route, which had been operating uninterrupted for over 45 years under the Bharuch ST Division, has triggered widespread public anger across Jambusar, Vedach, and surrounding villages.
Local residents say the route was not just a transport service, but a daily lifeline for students, working professionals, traders, and patients. What has shocked commuters the most is that this route was among the highest revenue-generating (No. 1 profitable) local routes in the division, making its closure highly questionable.
Recently, the Jambusar depot was allotted 18 new ST buses by the state government, and inauguration ceremonies were held. However, on the ground, essential local routes remain suspended. This has raised a critical question: If new buses are not used for public needs, who are they meant for?
The impact of the route closure has been most severe on students and lower-income commuters, who are now forced to rely on expensive private transport or unsafe alternatives. Villagers allege that the historic route was shut down without valid justification, reflecting administrative arbitrariness and lack of sensitivity, thereby damaging the credibility of GSRTC and the government.
Local leaders from Vedach and Jambusar have issued a clear warning: if the Bharuch–Vedach bus service is not restored immediately, strong protests will be launched at the Jambusar depot and Bharuch ST office.
The responsibility now lies with GSRTC officials and the State Transport Department to intervene, investigate the decision, and restore this profitable and essential route in public interest.
Despite having a depot, the failure to provide basic transport services has turned this into a serious public concern, not merely an operational lapse.
