PATIALA: Flagging off 100 new mini buses in Patiala on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s commitment to connecting every village with cities, declaring that just as canal water has reached every field, buses would reach every village in Punjab. Taking a swipe at previous governments for discontinuing village-to-city bus services, he said the new buses would strengthen rural connectivity, ease daily travel for residents and students, and improve access to education, employment and essential services.
Announcing that another 309 large buses would join the fleet next month, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the induction of 29-seater 100 mini buses would also generate employment for around 150 youth, while 15 young people were handed offer letters for jobs in the transport department.
During a media interaction after flagging off the buses, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Public transport is not merely a means of travelling from one place to another; it is a lifeline for rural communities. Reliable bus services enable students to pursue education, help families access employment opportunities and strengthen the economic and social fabric of villages.”
The Chief Minister said, “The 100 new 29-seater mini buses will operate on rural and small-town routes through PRTC’s nine depots. These services will make daily commuting easier for rural residents travelling to cities for employment, business and other essential activities. School and college students will also benefit significantly from improved connectivity.”
He said the buses had been allocated across various depots, including Patiala, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Sangrur, Barnala, Budhlada, Kapurthala, Faridkot and Ludhiana.
Highlighting the expansion of public transport, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Another 309 large buses will be added to the fleet next month. Around 3,000 privately operated mini buses are also connecting villages, towns and cities across Punjab. We are continuously strengthening the public transport network to make travel more accessible for people.”
*Depot-Wise Allocation Of 100 mini Buses:*
• Patiala: 25 buses
• Bathinda: 15 buses
• Chandigarh: 15 buses
• Sangrur: 10 buses
• Barnala: 9 buses
• Budhlada: 8 buses
• Kapurthala: 7 buses
• Faridkot: 6 buses
• Ludhiana: 5 buses