Punjab News: To improve and expand the reach of public transport in rural areas, Punjab Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema here today announced that 100 world class ‘PRTC Junior’ buses will officially join the fleet of PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) by mid-September this year. This announcement was made after a comprehensive review meeting held with senior officials of the Transport Department of Punjab to evaluate the ongoing infrastructure upgradation and service expansion.
The Transport Minister revealed that these fully built midi buses are being manufactured and delivered by Eicher.
Emphasis on increasing the quality of public transport services
During the high-level review meeting, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the Transport Department to present innovative ideas especially with the aim of further raising the quality of public transport services. He also stressed on enhancing the income streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability and operational strength of both PRTC and PUNBUS.
1,279 new buses being included in the state fleet
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to revamp public transport, he announced that 1,279 new buses were being added to the state’s fleet. “This will increase the number of government buses from 2,267 to 3,546, which is the biggest increase in 20 years and will take Punjab towards becoming a leading state in the country,” he said.
15 premium airport buses for Delhi airport
The Transport Minister said that the Bhagwant Mann government is also strengthening connectivity for NRIs, international travelers and common travelers. “As part of this, we have introduced 15 premium airport buses, including Volvo coaches, from Jalandhar and Ludhiana to Delhi Airport. This has broken the stranglehold of the transport mafia and made travel easier for everyone,” he said.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials of the Transport Department, including Secretary Transport Varun Roojam, Managing Director Panbus Rajeev Kumar Gupta, Managing Director PRTC Manisha Rana, Additional Managing Director PRTC Navdeep Kumar and General Manager PRTC Chandigarh Amanveer Tiwana.