Punjab’s New Year Gift: 400 New Buses for PRTC Commuters
The New Year often brings with it the anticipation of fresh starts and new resolutions. For the people relying on the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), the new year promises a smoother ride, quite literally. As the Punjab government rolls out plans to introduce 400 new buses, passengers can look forward to enhanced comfort and reliability in their commutes.
The Lifeline of Punjab
Every day, millions of people in Punjab depend on buses as their primary mode of transportation. Despite their pivotal role, several regions remain underserved, leaving commuters grappling with significant inconvenience. Many villages, townships, and blocks currently lack sufficient routes connecting them to major towns and cities. Addressing these gaps is crucial, as accessibility to public transport directly impacts livelihoods and daily life.
Acknowledging these challenges, the Punjab Transport Department has swiftly moved to issue a tender for acquiring the new buses. This initiative is aimed at transforming travel within the state, making it not just easier but also safer for its citizens.
Punjab’s public transport is getting a major upgrade!
The Akali-BJP government undermined PRTC by promoting their own travel companies, while corruption plagued the Congress regime. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and with the efforts of Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar, the current administration is set on reforming the system…
The Road Ahead for PRTC
Plans are underway to integrate about 577 new buses into the current PRTC fleet, with 400 set to start joining ranks as early as January 2025. By May, the state aims to have all of them operational across various routes. For frequent passengers, this means the tediousness of waiting for hours at bus stops might soon be a thing of the past.
Current statistics place the fleet strength at approximately 704 buses. Once this plan is realized, it would bolster the fleet to over 1100 buses. This escalation not only signifies improved service availability but also marks a spirited commitment by the state to elevate public transport standards.
Financially, there’s a silver lining too. PRTC clocked a revenue of over ₹263.39 crore in Fiscal Year 2023-24, a notable surge from the previous fiscal year. With daily services valuing around ₹1.25 crore, these new additions stand to boost both ridership and revenue significantly.
Challenges on the Bus Stand
The journey hasn’t been devoid of hurdles. Recently, nearly 600 bus permits were revoked by the state government, uncovering irregularities and favoritism in previous allotments. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar admitted that these tenders were issued flouting norms, pushing smaller operators to the brink.
Such discrepancies have inadvertently confined bus services within the hands of a few affluent families, leading to a state revenue deficit. Rectifying this, the government’s pledge is to keep streamlining operations, ensuring scrutiny and fairness in the process.
Looking back, the scars of reduced connectivity are still fresh among those affected, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of inclusivity and regulation in public transport systems.
Join us as we continue to follow this transformational journey of Punjab’s public transport, where every decision impacts countless lives, integrating communities, and redefining commute culture in this vibrant state.
