Punjab News: A significant transformation is being brought about in the transport system of Punjab due to the massive expansion of government bus services in recent years by the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The decision to add 1,279 buses to the government’s fleet is not limited to just increasing the numbers, but is a concrete step towards prioritizing affordable, safe, accessible and seamless connectivity for citizens in urban and rural areas.

systematic resolution of needs

There are currently 2,267 buses operating under the Government of Punjab, of which 1,119 are under PUNBUS (Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited). The expansion of buses through both direct purchase and lease has been judiciously approved by the Government, ensuring expansion without regard to financial burden.

Under this expansion, 796 buses will be purchased directly, while 483 buses will be included under the kilometer scheme, which will systematically address the demand and route needs of the state.

Purchase of ordinary buses and midi buses

Under this expansion scheme, 696 ordinary buses and 100 midi buses will be purchased. PUNBUS will be given 387 ordinary buses, while PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) will get 309 ordinary buses. 100 midi buses will be inducted in PRTC, as these small buses are more suitable for congested city roads and rural routes where operation of big buses is not possible. This expansion will fulfill the long standing transport demand of small towns and villages, which was earlier ignored.

Less noise and vibration and better performance

The move shows how the Bhagwant Mann government is implementing reforms at the grassroots level. All newly procured ordinary buses will meet AIS-153 standards, thereby enhancing safety and accessibility. Improved boarding facilities for partially disabled passengers, wheelchair-friendly accessibility, reduced noise and vibration and improved performance – ensuring a more comfortable and respectful experience for both passengers and drivers.

Features like fire detection system, clear emergency signs, GPS, CCTV, LED lights and night lamps in these buses ensure a strong safety infrastructure especially for women traveling at night.

Buses will follow Bharat Stage-6 standards

The state government has also taken its responsibilities towards the environment seriously. Under the Kilometer scheme, 100 HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) buses and 100 ordinary buses, as well as other Volvo buses, will be inducted by Panbus, taking the total number of its fleet to 1,721.

The HVAC buses will comply with Bharat Stage-6 standards, ensuring lower emissions and better public health. PRTC will also purchase 254 ordinary buses and 14 integral coach buses under the same scheme.

Continuity, reliability and better route coverage

Overall, 670 additional buses will be added to PRTC, while 602 buses will be added to PUNBUS as part of the overall expansion. These buses to be delivered to PUNBUS and PRTC will ensure continuity, reliability and better route coverage of bus services across the state.

The fleet will be operational starting from March and will be expanded in a phased manner, ensuring uninterrupted operations without affecting existing services.

Aim to make transportation easier

This expansion reflects the vision of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide better governance. Public services should not be profit-based, but efficient, safe and accessible.

By empowering PUNBUS and PRTC, the Bhagwant Mann government is articulating its role as a trusted bus service provider state, thereby facilitating daily movement of people, strengthening economic activities and restoring public confidence in government bus services.

More and more government buses will run

Affordable transportation in the state is directly to easy access to education, health services and employment. Hence the induction of 1,279 modern, safe and eco-friendly buses reflects the strong infrastructure intervention of the state government.

This makes it clear that more and more government buses will run on the roads of Punjab instead of private operators and under the Bhagwant Mann government, public transport is again being given priority in the public interest.