Chandigarh, 11 July (H.S.): Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced a major expansion of the state’s public transport system, under which 1,279 new government buses will be added to the fleet. With this move, the total number of government buses in Punjab will increase from 2,267 to 3,546, registering a 56 per cent rise. The minister said this would be the biggest expansion of Punjab’s government bus fleet in more than two decades and would help the state become a leading player in public transport infrastructure.Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema said the Bhagwant Mann government is committed to providing affordable, reliable, safe and accessible transport facilities to every citizen. He said the government has already placed orders for 696 ordinary buses, of which 387 will be inducted into PUNBUS and 309 into the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation. Around 300 of these buses are expected to become operational by November 2026, while the remaining buses will be inducted in a phased manner by December 2026.The minister further said that 100 midi buses have already been purchased for PRTC to improve connectivity in both urban and rural areas. These buses are expected to enter service by September 2026. Apart from this, 483 buses will be inducted on lease under the Kilometre Scheme. More than 250 leased buses are already operational, while another 100 ordinary buses and 50 AC/HVAC buses are likely to start operations by October 2026.Cheema said the deployment of the expanded fleet would be based on scientific planning. Satellite-based travel pattern surveys are being started across the state to identify underserved routes and ensure that buses are deployed where people need them the most. He added that the enhanced fleet will increase services on busy routes and extend most. He added government bus connectivity to villages and towns that currently do not have scheduled services.Announcing a technological upgrade, the transport minister said the new buses will be equipped with DashCams, internal CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems and electronic ticketing machines with UPI QR code payment facility. He said around 54 per cent of passengers travelling in government buses are women, and CCTV cameras will further strengthen their safety.Cheema said Punjab currently has about seven government buses per lakh population, which will rise to nearly 12 after the expansion. He said the modernised transport network would improve last-mile connectivity and meet rising passenger demand across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH