Patiala: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday flagged off 250 new buses for the Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) in Patiala, marking a major milestone in strengthening the state’s public transport system, creating employment, and accelerating overall development. The Chief Minister emphasized a dual focus on infrastructure expansion and people-centric governance as central to his administration’s vision for Punjab.
Major Expansion of PRTC Fleet
CM Mann highlighted that the addition of 250 new buses is part of a larger fleet expansion plan:
- By the end of May 2026, 254 ordinary buses and 100 mini buses will be operational.
- Tenders have been floated for 309 more buses, which will further strengthen Punjab’s public transport network.
- Over 300 additional buses are expected to join the PRTC fleet in the coming months, improving travel convenience for both urban and rural commuters.
“This is not just a transport upgrade, but a significant step to provide safer, more comfortable travel and better public services across Punjab,” CM Mann said.
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Employment Generation Through Transport Expansion
The PRTC fleet expansion also has strong employment implications:
- The current 250-bus induction will create 681 new job opportunities.
- Earlier, 110 buses added in 2024 generated employment for 165 individuals.
- The tender for 309 additional buses is expected to provide jobs to 928 more people.
CM Mann emphasized that the initiative aligns with his government’s vision of promoting youth employment while improving essential public services.
PRTC Revenue and Financial Growth
The Chief Minister highlighted the improved financial health of PRTC:
- Gross revenue increased by 53%, from ₹607.09 crore in 2021–22 to ₹927.83 crore in 2024–25.
- PRTC is expected to cross ₹950 crore in gross revenue for the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting nearly 57% growth.
Women Commuters and Welfare Schemes
CM Mann reaffirmed the AAP government’s commitment to welfare, highlighting that since 2022, PRTC has provided free travel to 34.63 crore women commuters at a cost of ₹1,574 crore.
Additionally, under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme, PRTC has offered free HVAC bus travel worth ₹2.21 crore, benefiting 9,529 passengers visiting religious sites within and outside Punjab.
Linking Transport to Broader Development
The Chief Minister stressed that the expansion of the bus fleet will enhance safe and comfortable travel for people in both rural and urban areas. He described the initiative as part of Punjab’s multi-dimensional development strategy, aimed at bridging decades-long gaps in infrastructure and public services.
CM Mann added that since taking office, the government has invested nearly ₹400 crore in various development works in Patiala’s rural constituency, transforming its overall landscape.
Focus on Infrastructure, Agriculture, Education, and Health
- Agriculture: ₹60 crore spent on initiatives to strengthen the sector.
- Health: ₹7.91 crore spent on three projects in the last four years, with an additional ₹14.54 crore currently allocated.
- Education: ₹825.22 crore invested in eight projects between 2022 and 2026, with ₹80.92 crore in ongoing initiatives.
- Public Works and Urban Development: Investments totaling ₹366 crore for major infrastructure projects, alongside smaller-scale urban, rural, and sanitation improvements.
- Flood Management and Water Conservation: ₹1.27 crore spent on river cleaning and flood control, along with ongoing water conservation projects.
CM Mann emphasized that these efforts aim to strengthen infrastructure, improve quality of life, and make Punjab a model state in development.
Citizen Support and Future Vision
Highlighting the need for continued public cooperation, CM Mann said, “To sustain this pace of development, we need your support and collaboration. I am confident that the people of Punjab will continue to back our government in the 2027 elections just as they did in the past.”
He concluded by reaffirming his government’s mission to make Punjab prosperous, modern, and vibrant, while ensuring inclusive development reaches every corner of the state.
The addition of 250 new PRTC buses under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann marks a significant step in Punjab’s transport transformation, combining infrastructure development, employment creation, and public welfare. With ongoing investments in education, health, agriculture, and urban infrastructure, Punjab is on a clear path toward sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
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