Punjab transport: Bhagwant Mann govt to add 1,279 new buses to PUNBUS, PRTC fleet

Chandigarh: To improve public transport in the state, the Punjab govt plans to add 1,279 new buses to its fleet through a combination of direct purchases and the kilometre scheme. The buses will come with a fire detection system, clear emergency signage, GPS, CCTV, LED lighting, and night lamps to help embed safety features for women travelling after dark.At present, Punjab operates 2,267 buses, with 1,119 under Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS). In aggregate terms, the PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) will be strengthened with the addition of 670 buses, while 602 buses from the overall expansion will join the PUNBUS fleet, an official spokesperson said on Monday. All newly procured ordinary buses will meet AIS-153 requirements, bringing better safety and accessibility features. Improved boarding for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair-friendly access, and better noise, vibration and harshness reflect a shift towards greater comfort and dignity for both passengers and drivers, said the spokesperson."This balanced distribution ensures that both undertakings are adequately equipped to improve service frequency, reliability and route coverage across the state. Importantly, the fleet induction will begin in March and proceed in a staggered manner, allowing for smooth operational integration without disrupting existing services," the spokesperson added.Under the ‘kilometre scheme', PUNBUS will add more Volvo buses, along with 100 HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) vehicles and 100 ordinary buses, taking its total fleet strength to 1,721.The HVAC buses will comply with Bharat Stage VI norms, ensuring reduced emissions and better public health outcomes. The PRTC, too, will add 254 ordinary buses and 14 integral coach buses under the scheme, alongside its purchase-based additions, said the spokesperson.Of the total additions, 796 buses will be purchased, while 483 will be inducted under the kilometre scheme, which will allow the transport department to respond flexibly to demand patterns and route requirements, said the spokesperson.The state govt will procure 696 ordinary buses and 100 midi buses. Of these, PUNBUS will receive 387 ordinary buses, while PRTC will be strengthened with 309 vehicles. The addition of 100 midi buses will be suited for intra-city movement and rural routes where large buses are impractical, said the spokesperson."This approach directly addresses long-standing gaps in connectivity for smaller towns and villages that have historically remained underserved," the spokesperson added.