Lucknow, April 21, 2025 – In a important administrative reshuffle, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced key transfers within its Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre. Shri Amit Gupta IAS (UP 2000), previously serving as Principal Secretary of the Stamp & Registration Department, has been appointed as the full time Principal Secretary of the Transport Department. Additionally, he will take on the role of Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
Shri Lakko Venkateshwarlu IAS (UP 1991), who previously held the position of Principal Secretary, Transport, along with the additional charge of UPSRTC Chairman, has been relieved of these responsibilities. However, he will continue to serve in his other capacities, including Principal Secretary, Social Welfare; Director General, Uttar Pradesh Administration & Management Academy (UPAAM); Director, Scheduled Tribe Research & Training Institute (SCSTRTI); and Director, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Research and Training Institute, Lucknow.
Shri Amit Gupta, a 2000-batch IAS officer, brings extensive experience to his new role. Known for his efficiency in handling complex administrative portfolios, Gupta’s tenure as Principal Secretary of the Stamp & Registration Department was marked by efforts to streamline processes and enhance revenue collection. His appointment to the Transport Department and UPSRTC is expected to improve the state’s public transportation infrastructure, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable and accessible mobility.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is a lifeline of the state’s public transportation network and drives connectivity in UP, serving millions of passengers annually. As of April 2025, UPSRTC operates a fleet of over 13,000 buses, connecting urban centers, rural areas, and pilgrimage sites across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. During Maha Kumbh 2025, UPSRTC deployed 7,000 buses ferryed 50 crore devotees. An estimated 3,000 additional BSVI-compliant buses are being procured contemplated to modernize the fleet.
Electric Bus Initiative: UPSRTC has introduced 50 air-conditioned electric buses on five major routes—Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi—in collaboration with RG Mobility under a revenue-sharing model. Plans are underway to procure 120 more electric buses for five districts, equipped with advanced safety features.
Women Conductor Recruitment: In a landmark move, UPSRTC launched a recruitment drive to hire 5,000 women conductors across 21 districts, with job fairs held from April 8 to April 17, 2025. Candidates require an intermediate qualification and a Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) certificate.
Technological Advancements: Over 7,000 UPSRTC buses are now equipped with real-time GPS tracking through the ‘Margdarshi’ app, enhancing passenger safety and operational efficiency. The corporation aims to extend GPS coverage to its entire fleet within three months.
Rural Connectivity: Post-Maha Kumbh, UPSRTC plans to deploy 3,000 buses to connect 28,000 villages across 1,540 new routes, improving rural accessibility.
Operational Reforms: The corporation has permitted mutual transfers for outsourced conductors who have completed six months of service and 30,000 kilometers, aiming to reduce absenteeism and improve service reliability.
Infrastructure Upgrades: UPSRTC is investing ₹320 crore to modernize twin bus stations in Prayagraj’s Civil Lines and Zero Road areas, enhancing passenger amenities and capacity.
As Shri Gupta assumes his new responsibilities, UPSRTC is expected to address operational challenges, such as deploying double-decker e-buses in Prayagraj, where low-height railway underpasses and electrical wires pose constraints. Gupta’s expertise is expected to drive strategic initiatives, including fleet electrification, workforce empowerment, and infrastructure modernization, aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s goal of sustainable development as stakeholders anticipate transformative changes in Uttar Pradesh’s transport sector.
