Punjab Newsline | Patiala
Punjab government has taken a step towards strengthening public transport in rural and urban areas, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann flagging off 100 new mini buses from the headquarters of the state transport corporation.
The initiative aims to provide affordable, safe and convenient transportation, particularly to residents of rural areas. The new buses are expected to improve connectivity on narrow and interior village roads where operating larger buses is difficult.
Each mini bus has a seating capacity of 29 passengers and will operate through nine different depots of the transport corporation. The service is expected to benefit students, working youth and other daily commuters by making travel more accessible and convenient.
During the event in Patiala, Chief Minister Mann reiterated his government's commitment to providing employment opportunities to young people. He also handed over appointment letters to 15 newly selected employees of the Transport Department.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the government was making continuous efforts to strengthen the state-run transport system and ensure reliable services for the public. He added that the inclusion of the new mini buses would enhance the corporation's operational capacity and make commuting more comfortable for passengers.
Chief Minister also announced that 309 more buses would be added to the transport corporation's fleet next month, further expanding public transportation services across Punjab.
Taking a dig at previous governments, Mann said that just as his government had revived canals and distributaries that had fallen out of use and restored water supply through them, it would also work to extend government bus services to every corner of the state.
He said the government's objective was to ensure that every village and region in Punjab had access to convenient public transport, so that no area remained deprived of essential connectivity.
