Quick Summary
CTU has rolled out QR codes at bus shelters and interstate terminals across Chandigarh. Scanning these codes leads commuters to a web interface where they can input their destination to receive live bus arrival data, route options, and schedules-enhancing daily travel for tourists, new residents, and regular commuters alike. This move is part of CTU’s larger modernization push to make public transportation more efficient and eco-friendly.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In a move that blends tradition with technology, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has taken an important step toward transforming public transport. On August 25, 2025, CTU unveiled its new QR-code based journey planning system at bus queue shelters and interstate terminals around the city. By simply scanning the printed codes, commuters are directed to a smart trip-planning interface that delivers real-time information about bus arrivals, routes, and schedules-right on their smartphones.
This innovative initiative aligns with CTU’s mission to modernise the city’s transport infrastructure, improve convenience for commuters, and promote greener, more reliable mobility.
1. Background & Context
CTU, the public transport body for Chandigarh, has consistently embraced technology to better serve commuters-rolling out GPS-based tracking, electronic ETA displays, and mobile apps in previous phases of modernization. The latest QR-code journey planner marks the next leap in this evolution.
2. How It Works?
Scan the Code: QR codes are installed at bus queue shelters and inter-state terminals across the city.
Smart Redirect: Scanning takes users to a web page where they enter their destination.
Instant Info: The site provides real-time bus arrival times, route options, and schedules.
One-Stop Hub: Designed as a comprehensive information center, the interface offers everything commuters need at their fingertips.
3. Benefits to Commuters & the City
Convenience: No more guessing or waiting in uncertainty-travelers get timely updates with just a phone scan.
User-Friendly: Particularly useful for tourists, new residents, and daily commuters unfamiliar with CTU routes.
Real-Time Awareness: Enables better journey planning, reduces waiting time, and improves daily commuting efficiency.
Promotion of Public Transport: Encourages use of eco-friendly bus travel by providing dependable service info, complementing broader sustainability goals.
4. Integration with CTU’s Broader Transport Strategy
This QR initiative is part of CTU’s ongoing efforts to modernize. Previous tech-enabled features include:
- ETA displays & mobile app tracking
- Future readiness through intelligent transport systems, real-time monitoring, and automated ticketing innovations
The QR-based system complements these technologies, reinforcing CTU’s goal of a smart, efficient, and green public transportation network.
Conclusion
CTU's introduction of a QR code-based journey planner is more than just a tech upgrade-it’s a commitment to smarter, more accessible, and sustainable urban travel in Chandigarh. By putting real-time bus info directly into commuters' hands, CTU is simplifying journeys and making public transport a more appealing choice. As QR technology seamlessly merges with everyday commuting, the path forward looks clearer, more convenient, and decidedly smarter.
