E-Paper
Punjab government approves major expansion of state-run bus services
PNBUS and PRTC to add 1,279 buses to improve rural–urban connectivity and service coverage.
The Punjab government has approved a large-scale expansion of its state-run public transport system, with the induction of 1,279 additional buses into the fleets of Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS) and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). The decision is aimed at improving connectivity between rural and urban areas, addressing route gaps, and strengthening the reliability of government-operated bus services across the state.
At present, 2,267 buses operate under the Punjab government, of which 1,119 are managed by PUNBUS. The approved expansion will be carried out through a combination of direct procurement and the kilometre scheme, a model that allows the government to expand services while managing operational and financial costs. Under the plan, 796 buses will be purchased directly, while 483 buses will be inducted through the kilometre scheme.
Of the buses to be procured, 696 will be ordinary buses and 100 will be midi buses. PUNBUS will receive 387 ordinary buses, while PRTC will be allotted 309 ordinary buses. In addition, PRTC will induct 100 midi buses, which are intended for routes where large buses are difficult to operate, including congested urban areas and interior rural roads. Officials said the inclusion of midi buses is expected to improve services in smaller towns and villages that have historically faced limited public transport options.
All newly procured ordinary buses will comply with AIS-153 standards, which prescribe enhanced safety and accessibility features. These include improved boarding facilities for passengers with partial disabilities, wheelchair access, reduced noise and vibration levels, and improved driving ergonomics. The buses will also be equipped with fire detection systems, emergency signage, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, LED lighting and night lamps, features that are intended to improve passenger safety, particularly during night travel.
The expansion plan also includes the addition of buses through the kilometre scheme. Under this component, PUNBUS will induct 100 HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) buses and 100 ordinary buses, along with other Volvo buses, taking its total fleet strength to 1,721 buses. The HVAC buses will meet Bharat Stage VI emission norms, which are designed to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. PRTC will also add 254 ordinary buses and 14 integral coach buses through the same scheme.
In total, PRTC will receive 670 additional buses, while PUNBUS will add 602 buses as part of the overall expansion. According to the government, the new buses will be deployed in a phased manner beginning in March, ensuring that existing services are not disrupted during the rollout.
