CHANDIGARH, April 06 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday flagged off 250 new buses for the Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) in Patiala, calling it a major push towards strengthening public transport, generating employment, and accelerating development across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the addition of the new buses is not just an upgrade in transport services but a step towards providing safer, more comfortable, and accessible travel for people in both urban and rural areas.
“This will strengthen public transport and create employment opportunities for the youth,” he said, adding that more than 300 additional buses will soon be inducted into the fleet as part of the government’s continued efforts to enhance public convenience.
Highlighting the scale of expansion, the Chief Minister said that 254 ordinary buses and 100 mini buses will be added to the PRTC fleet by the end of May 2026. He further noted that tenders have already been floated for 309 more buses to further strengthen the transport network.
Emphasising employment generation, Mann said the expansion will create jobs for over 650 people. He added that earlier in 2024, around 110 buses were inducted, generating employment for 165 individuals. The upcoming addition of 309 buses is expected to provide jobs to over 900 more people.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the improved financial performance of PRTC, stating that the corporation’s gross revenue has increased by 53 per cent, rising from Rs 607.09 Cr. in 2021-22 to Rs 927.83 Cr. in 2024-25. He expressed confidence that in the current financial year, the revenue is likely to cross Rs 950 Cr., reflecting continued growth.
Reaffirming the government’s welfare initiatives, Mann said that since 2022, women in Punjab have availed free bus travel for over 34.63 crore rides, at a cost of Rs 1,574 Cr. to the state. He added that under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme, PRTC has facilitated free travel for 9,529 passengers to pilgrim destinations within and outside the state.
Linking transport development with broader progress, Mann said that Punjab is rapidly advancing on the path of growth, and the government is working to bridge gaps of decades. “Our government is undertaking multi-dimensional development to restore Punjab to its former glory,” he said.
Detailing development works in Patiala Rural, the Chief Minister said that nearly Rs 400 Cr. has been spent over the past four years across various sectors, significantly transforming the region. He added that investments have been made in agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and rural development to improve public services and quality of life.
On agriculture, Mann said Rs 60 Cr, has been spent to support farmers and make farming a viable occupation again. In the health sector, he noted that Rs 7.91 Cr. has been spent on key projects, while additional works worth Rs 14.54 Cr. are underway to expand healthcare services.
Highlighting education reforms, he said Rs 825.22 Cr. has been invested in school education projects between 2022 and 2026, with more projects worth Rs 80.92 Cr. currently in progress. He also outlined infrastructure spending, including multiple works undertaken by the Public Works Department and other agencies to improve roads and public facilities.
The Chief Minister further said that investments have been made in mandi infrastructure, flood control, sewerage systems, urban development, and water conservation, with several ongoing and planned projects aimed at strengthening overall infrastructure.
Seeking continued public support, Mann said that his government remains committed to maintaining the pace of development and expressed confidence that people will continue to back its initiatives in the coming years. (UNI)
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