Between 2018-19 and 2021-22, the number of buses operated by state road transport undertakings (SRTUs) declined from 1.52 lakh to 1.47 lakh, while revenue losses surged by 68 per cent to ₹30,192 crore. The main causes were reduced passenger revenue during Covid-19, high fuel prices, stagnant fares, and free rides for women in some states. Fleet utilization and productivity also dropped significantly. Efforts to introduce electric buses face infrastructure challenges but are progressing.Original Article