Transport Department sources confirm these additions will drastically boost capacity, addressing current service gaps ...
Punjab’s Transport Revolution: CM Mann Adds 1,311 New Buses to Empower Women and Create Jobs
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is adding 1,311 new buses to the state fleet to strengthen public transport and women’s empowerment. This expansion includes 606 buses for Punjab Roadways and 705 for PRTC. By enhancing the free travel scheme for women, this initiative improves mobility and safety while creating thousands of new jobs across Punjab.
Transport Department sources confirm these additions will drastically boost capacity, addressing current service gaps and overcrowding. While women benefit from free travel, limited fleet sizes often cause delays. These 1,311 new buses will ensure more reliable schedules, allowing women to reach work, schools, and hospitals on time.
The Punjab government’s free bus service has earned widespread praise in recent months, providing daily financial relief to lakhs of women. By removing travel costs, the scheme significantly eases the economic burden on families in both cities and villages. The addition of new buses ensures this crucial service reaches even the most remote areas.
The bus expansion will create thousands of jobs for drivers, conductors, and mechanics. The Transport Department is set to begin recruitment shortly, offering stable employment for Punjab’s youth. Beyond direct operations, additional roles in maintenance and repairs will further stimulate the local economy.
Beyond fleet expansion, the Punjab government is modernising bus stands in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bathinda. These upgraded hubs will feature improved waiting areas, clean restrooms, digital information boards, and enhanced security. This infrastructure overhaul aims to provide a safer, more comfortable, and technologically advanced travel experience for passengers throughout the state.
A senior Transport Ministry official confirmed the new buses will feature modern tech like GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, emergency alarms, and air conditioning. To combat pollution and protect the environment, the government is also considering adding CNG and electric models to the fleet, showing a strong commitment to an eco-friendly transport system.
Social activist Rajni Sharma highlighted that the free bus service is a transformative tool for positive change, particularly for women in small towns and villages. She noted that increasing the fleet directly improves mobility, allowing women to access education, healthcare, and employment more easily. For many, this is more than just transportation; it is a crucial step toward empowerment.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann consistently emphasises a people-focused development model aimed at providing direct relief to the public. By prioritising the strengthening of public transport, the government targets improved household finances and reduced traffic congestion. With 1,311 new buses and modernised infrastructure, Punjab is significantly cutting pollution and setting a new benchmark for public transport.
