Students Travel Free : Bhagwant Singh Mann Government Enhances Public Bus Service
The government provides bus services worth Rs 1.25 crore daily to the people.
Chandigarh: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to improving public bus services across the state. Through various initiatives and schemes, the government has taken significant steps to make transportation as convenient as possible for the people. In the near future, traveling on government buses in Punjab will be more efficient, safe, and accessible. The government is actively working to strengthen the public bus service while also improving it to match the standards of private bus operators.
The government provides bus services worth Rs 1.25 crore daily to the people. Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) set a record by earning over Rs 263.39 crore in 2023-24, a significant increase compared to Rs 870.48 crore in 2022-23. This marks a notable growth trajectory since the previous years.
To further bolster the bus service, the government plans to add around 577 new buses to the PRTC fleet. Tenders have already been issued for over 400 buses. Currently, PRTC operates about 704 buses, but with the new additions, this number will rise to 1,100. The first batch of 200 buses is expected to be operational by January 2025, with the remaining buses expected to hit the roads by May 2025. Furthermore, the government is preparing a proposal to regularize the employees working on government contracts, which will soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
PRTC Establishes First Sub-Depot
In another significant development, Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) is establishing its first sub-depot at Daula village in Gidderbaha to expand and enhance the state’s public transport infrastructure. As part of the Punjab government's commitment to improving bus services, this Rs 3.36 crore project will be completed and operational by January 31, 2025. This will not only fulfill the infrastructure needs but also address a long-standing demand from the local community. Additionally, the old bus stand in Patiala has been revived, and bus services to nearby towns within a 30-kilometer radius, including Cheeka, Samana, Nabha, Rajpura, Ghanaur, and Pehowa, have resumed.
Free Bus Service for Government School Students
The Punjab government has introduced a major initiative to improve public education by offering free bus services to students in over 200 government schools across the state. This initiative, part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s promise to provide world-class facilities in government schools, aims to ensure that all students, especially those from remote areas, have equal access to education.
PRTC to Launch Major Solar Plant Project
In line with its focus on sustainable infrastructure, PRTC is finalizing a large-scale solar plant project. The Transport Minister announced that solar-equipped facilities will be installed at the head office, all depots, and bus stands. With a proposed 775 kW solar project costing Rs 2.87 crore, PRTC expects to save approximately Rs 97 lakh annually in electricity costs. The payback period for this project is estimated to be less than three years.
Action Against Rule-Breaking Buses
To ensure safety on state roads, the government has canceled permits for around 600 buses involved in rule violations. Tenders were previously issued in violation of regulations, leading to monopolization by a few bus operators and driving small bus drivers out of business. This had resulted in significant losses for the government. The government has decided to continue this process, with periodic reviews to maintain the integrity and fairness of the public bus service system.
The Punjab government’s efforts are clearly directed towards not only expanding and improving public transport infrastructure but also making it more sustainable, affordable, and equitable for the people of Punjab.