Patiala: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday flagged off 250 new Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) buses in Patiala, calling it a major step to strengthen public transport, generate employment and accelerate development across the state.The CM said, “Today in Patiala, 250 new buses were flagged off and added to the PRTC fleet. This is not merely an improvement in transport facilities, but a significant step towards providing people with better, safer and more comfortable travel. This will strengthen public transport and also create new employment opportunities for the youth.”“In the coming days, more than 300 additional buses will be inducted into the PRTC fleet. The govt is consistently making such efforts to enhance public convenience and move Punjab forward on the path of progress,” he added.Emphasising the scale of the expansion, Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that 254 ordinary buses and 100 mini buses will be added to the fleet of the PRTC by the end of May 2026.”He also said tenders had been floated for 309 more buses.Highlighting the employment potential, Mann said, “This will pave the way for creating employment opportunities for 681 persons.”“Around 110 ordinary buses were added to the PRTC fleet in 2024, which employed 165 persons. Tender for induction of 309 more buses has also been floated, which will provide employment to 928 persons,” he added.Underlining the corporation’s financial performance, the CM said, “The PRTC has registered a 53% increase in gross revenue, rising from Rs 607.09 crore in the financial year 2021-22 to Rs 927.83 crore in 2024-25.”Mann said, “In the FY 2025-26, the PRTC is expected to cross Rs 950 crore in gross revenue, reflecting nearly 57% growth.”On welfare measures, he said, “Since 2022, the PRTC has provided free travel facilities to 34.63 crore women commuters of Punjab at Rs 1574 crore.”“Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme, the PRTC has provided free HVAC bus travel facilities worth Rs 2.21 crore, enabling 9,529 passengers to visit religious places within and outside Punjab,” said Mann.He added, “With the expansion of the bus fleet, people in both urban and rural areas will be able to travel safely and comfortably. Punjab is moving on the path of development, and the govt is accelerating efforts to bridge the gaps.”PRTC chairman Harpal Juneja said apart from installing rooftop solar systems at all bus stands, new bus stands were being constructed with improved shelter arrangements for passengers to prevent inconvenience.MSID:: 130064304 413 |
