Patiala News:Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to Soon Gift Major Transport Expansion to Punjabis: Harpal Juneja
– PRTC on growth trajectory under the initiatives of Transport Minister Harpal Cheema
– 100 new midi and 309 new large buses to join PRTC fleet; 254 buses already inducted under Kilometer Scheme
The Punjab Government is undertaking a series of major initiatives to strengthen PRTC, enhance passenger services and boost the corporation’s revenue, PRTC Chairman Advocate Harpal Juneja said here today.
Addressing a press conference, Juneja said that in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s people-centric approach and under the directions of Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, PRTC is rapidly expanding its bus fleet while simultaneously modernising bus stands, depots and other infrastructure and developing new revenue streams.
He said 100 new company-owned Junior PRTC (midi) buses are being inducted into the fleet. Of these, 10 buses have already reached the headquarters, 40 more are expected within the next two days, while the remaining 50 will be added by around October 20. A substantial number of these 100 buses will be operated from the Old Bus Stand, Patiala, to provide convenient transport facilities to people from all sections of society.
In addition, 309 new company-owned ordinary large buses will soon be added to the PRTC fleet. With this major expansion, passengers will have access to more frequent and streamlined transport services on various routes.
Juneja further said that 254 buses have already been inducted under the Kilometer Scheme, helping PRTC meet public transport requirements across different areas. The expansion, he said, will further strengthen the corporation’s service network and improve connectivity for passengers.
Giving details of infrastructure development, he said the new Patiala Bus Stand has been made operational on an O&M (Operate and Maintain) basis, which is expected to augment departmental revenue while improving passenger amenities. Meanwhile, construction and infrastructure-related works for reopening the Old Bus Stand, Patiala, are underway. Its reopening is expected to provide greater convenience to commuters and give a boost to local commercial activity.
Juneja said construction of a modern, technology-enabled bus stand in Bathinda under the PPP mode is also progressing. Renovation works at the Talwandi Sabo Bus Stand, as well as the Budhlada workshop and bus stand, are also moving ahead at a fast pace. These projects will further strengthen PRTC’s infrastructure and expand its service capabilities.
The PRTC Chairman said the corporation was also focusing on generating new revenue by making better use of its available assets and resources rather than remaining limited to bus operations. Initiatives involving a Verka Milk Plant, solar rooftop systems and retail outlets/petrol pumps are being pursued to enhance revenue and strengthen PRTC financially.
Juneja said the corporation was simultaneously working on expanding its fleet, improving passenger amenities, upgrading infrastructure and creating new revenue streams to transform PRTC into a strong, modern, self-reliant and people-centric transport organisation.
He added that efforts to further improve PRTC services and provide smooth, convenient and better travel facilities to the public would continue unabated.