Chandigarh, 09 June (H.S.): Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday flagged off five new Super Integral Volvo coach buses of Punbus that will provide direct connectivity between Jalandhar, Ludhiana and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The initiative is aimed at offering safe, comfortable and affordable transportation to international travellers, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and regular passengers while strengthening the state’s public transport network.

Addressing the gathering, Cheema said the service would significantly benefit international commuters and daily passengers while helping eliminate the influence of private transport operators and transport mafia. He reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains committed to improving public transport facilities and ensuring better travel options for the people of the state.

The minister recalled that the airport bus service was first launched on June 15, 2022, from Jalandhar by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He announced that the Transport Department is adding a total of 15 new Super Integral Coach buses to the Punbus fleet, of which the first five have now been introduced.

Cheema said the new luxury buses will operate daily from Jalandhar and Ludhiana to Delhi Airport at multiple timings, while return services from the airport will also be available throughout the day. He noted that the service would provide Punjab residents and the NRI community with a comfortable and economical travel option to the international airport.

The minister also highlighted the Punjab Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise public transport. He informed that 696 new buses are being inducted into Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC fleets. These include ordinary buses, HVAC air-conditioned buses and additional premium coaches under the kilometre scheme. According to Cheema, the expansion will significantly enhance the reach, quality and reliability of public transport services across Punjab.

Former MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu and Director State Transport Punjab-cum-Managing Director Punbus Rajiv Kumar Gupta were also present on the occasion.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH