Punjab Government to Upgrade Major Bus Terminals Under PPP Model: Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar

Chandigarh: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved a comprehensive plan to modernize major bus terminals across the state. This initiative aims to strengthen public transport infrastructure and provide better facilities for daily commuters.

Upgrades Through Public-Private Partnership

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar stated that under this plan, the bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda will be upgraded through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The objective is to ensure efficiency, safety, accessibility, and enhanced services. These terminals serve as vital transport hubs for both urban and rural populations, facilitating daily commuting for workers, students, business travelers, tourists, and industrial laborers.

Strengthening Inter-State Connectivity

The minister added that these terminals play a crucial role in inter-state travel, providing connectivity to neighboring states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Ludhiana and Jalandhar terminals witness a daily footfall of 75,000 to 1 lakh passengers, while Patiala and Bathinda see approximately 50,000 passengers each day, highlighting the importance of these facilities in Punjab’s mobility ecosystem.

Passenger-Friendly and Modern Facilities

The upgrades will be carried out without disrupting daily commuter services, ensuring safe, modern, and user-friendly facilities. The modernization plan addresses long-standing infrastructure gaps, operational inefficiencies, and inadequate passenger amenities. Projects will be implemented under Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) or Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models to ensure sustainability, quality services, improved transport infrastructure, better integration with urban transport systems, and efficient utilization of state financial resources.

Focus on Safety and Crowd Management

Bhullar emphasized that the planned upgrades will enhance passenger convenience and operational management, including better waiting areas, advanced sanitation facilities, improved lighting and signage, organized boarding systems, and structured parking. Special attention will be given to crowd management during peak hours, and facilities will be made accessible for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.

Integrated Urban Transport Hubs

The minister further stated, “The modernized bus terminals will be developed as integrated urban hubs. Commercial and public facilities, such as retail outlets, offices, workplaces, and logistics support services, will be incorporated within terminal complexes. This integrated approach will enhance passenger convenience, boost economic activities, and contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of the terminals.” He added, “Through this initiative, the Punjab government aims to improve everyday public infrastructure, make daily commuting smoother for millions, and set a new benchmark for modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly bus terminals across the state.”