Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to Launch 100 New PRTC Buses on Monday
In a significant move to enhance public transportation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to flag off 100 new buses of the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) on Monday. This announcement was made by Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday, highlighting the state government's commitment to improving mobility for residents.
Major Investment in Modernizing Punjab's Transport Fleet
Cheema emphasized that this initiative reinforces the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government's dedication to providing modern, efficient, and accessible transportation services across the state. The government is making a substantial capital investment of approximately Rs 125 crore to procure a total of 100 midi buses and 309 ordinary buses. These vehicles will be inducted into the PRTC fleet in a phased manner to ensure a smooth transition and maximize operational efficiency.
To swiftly address the growing demand for public transport and further augment the operational capacity of the corporation, the PRTC is also hiring an additional 254 ordinary buses under the Kilometre Scheme. This strategic move is designed to ensure efficient service delivery on key routes, reducing wait times and improving connectivity for commuters throughout Punjab.
Ambitious Expansion Plans for PUNBUS
Further detailing an ambitious expansion plan for PUNBUS, Cheema stated that the government is slated to add a staggering 606 buses to the PUNBUS fleet overall. This extensive plan includes 387 new buses to be added directly to the fleet. Additionally, under the Kilometre Scheme, PUNBUS will introduce 19 Volvo buses, 100 HVAC buses, and 100 ordinary buses, catering to diverse passenger needs and enhancing comfort levels.
By injecting over a thousand new and Kilometre Scheme buses into the combined operations of the PRTC and PUNBUS, the state is actively future-proofing Punjab's transit system. This comprehensive approach aims to create a robust and reliable public transportation network that can support the state's economic growth and environmental sustainability goals.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
In response to this development, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar took a dig at the AAP and Congress parties. In a post on X, written in Punjabi, Jakhar shared two photos of the buses and commented, "Industries are shutting down in Punjab, but the first batch of PRTC buses — a symbol of the partnership between Punjab Congress and the AAP government — has been manufactured in Rajasthan and has reached the roads of Punjab, from the same factory from which buses were made during the Congress rule. And the Bhagwant Mann government has, using the same pressure, forced the Congress to surrender before the AAP government. Are both parties the same in this hamam (bathhouse)?"
This criticism underscores the political tensions surrounding the transport initiative, with opposition parties questioning the sourcing and implications of the bus procurement. Despite these remarks, the government remains focused on its goal of transforming Punjab's public transport infrastructure to better serve its citizens.
