Punjab Government Announces Major Public Transport Boost: 1,279 New Buses to Transform State Mobility

Chandigarh: In a significant move to strengthen public transport, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced the addition of 1,279 new buses to the state’s fleet. This initiative aims to provide affordable, safe, and accessible travel for both urban and rural residents, marking a major step toward modernizing Punjab’s transportation system.

Currently, the Punjab government operates a fleet of 2,267 buses, including 1,119 under Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS). The new fleet expansion will be achieved through a mix of direct purchases and lease arrangements, ensuring growth without imposing undue financial burden. Of the total 1,279 buses, 796 will be acquired through direct purchase, while 483 will be added under a kilometer-based scheme to meet specific route and demand requirements.

The new addition includes 696 standard buses and 100 midi buses. PUNBUS will receive 387 standard buses, while the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) will be allocated 309 standard buses along with 100 midi buses. The midi buses are particularly suited for crowded urban roads and rural routes where larger vehicles cannot operate efficiently. This expansion addresses long-standing transport needs in smaller towns and villages that have often been overlooked.

All newly procured standard buses will comply with AIS-153 standards, enhancing safety and accessibility. Features include partial wheelchair accessibility, low noise and vibration levels, and improved comfort for both passengers and drivers. Advanced safety systems such as fire detection, emergency indicators, GPS tracking, CCTV, LED lighting, and night lamps will provide robust security, especially for women traveling at night.

The government has also prioritized environmental sustainability. Under the kilometer-based scheme, PUNBUS will add 100 HVAC buses, 100 standard buses, and several Volvo buses, bringing its total fleet to 1,721. The HVAC buses will meet Bharat Stage-6 emission norms, reducing pollution and supporting public health. PRTC will also add 254 standard buses and 14 integral coach buses under this scheme.

In total, 670 new buses will strengthen PRTC, while PUNBUS will receive 602 buses. The rollout will begin in March and will be phased to ensure uninterrupted service.

This initiative reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of delivering efficient, safe, and accessible public services. By empowering PUNBUS and PRTC, the government aims to restore public trust in state-run bus services, improve daily mobility, and stimulate economic activity across Punjab.

Affordable and reliable transport directly impacts access to education, healthcare, and employment. The addition of 1,279 modern, safe, and environmentally friendly buses highlights the government’s commitment to robust infrastructure development, signaling a shift toward more public-operated buses over private operators and reinforcing public transportation as a priority for the people of Punjab.