Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced a major expansion of the state's public transport system, revealing that the Bhagwant Mann-led government will add 1,279 new government buses to its fleet. The move will increase the total number of state-run buses from 2,267 to 3,546, marking a 56% increase the largest expansion of Punjab's public transport fleet in more than two decades.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema said the expansion would strengthen Punjab's public transport infrastructure and significantly improve connectivity across the state.

Modern Technology for Safer Travel

New buses will be equipped with advanced passenger safety and convenience features, including dashcams, internal CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems, and UPI QR code-based electronic ticketing. The government aims to provide safer, more transparent, and digitally enabled travel services.

Cheema highlighted that nearly 54% of passengers travelling on government buses are women, and the installation of CCTV cameras will further enhance their safety and security.

796 Buses Being Purchased Directly

Minister said the government has already placed orders for 696 standard buses, of which 387 will be added to PUNBUS and 309 to the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). Around 300 buses are expected to begin operations by November 2026, while the remaining buses will be inducted in phases by December 2026.

In addition, 100 midi buses have already been purchased for PRTC to strengthen urban and rural connectivity. These buses are expected to enter service by September 2026, taking the total number of directly procured buses to 796.

Better Connectivity Across Punjab

Cheema said the expanded fleet will be deployed using satellite-based travel pattern surveys to identify underserved routes and ensure buses are allocated where demand is highest. The initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps, improve services on high-demand routes, and extend government bus services to villages and towns that currently lack regular public transport.

More Buses Per Capita

Following the expansion, the availability of government buses in Punjab will rise from around seven buses per one lakh population to nearly twelve, placing the state well above the national average for state-run public transport.

Key Highlights

  • 1,279 new government buses to be added.

  • Fleet to increase from 2,267 to 3,546 buses.

  • 56% expansion, the biggest in over 20 years.

  • 696 standard buses ordered (387 for PUNBUS, 309 for PRTC).

  • 100 midi buses to strengthen rural and urban connectivity.

  • Around 300 buses to be operational by November 2026.

  • Remaining standard buses to be inducted by December 2026.

  • Midi buses to enter service by September 2026.

  • New buses to feature GPS, CCTV, dashcams, and UPI QR-based e-ticketing.

  • Satellite-based surveys to improve route planning and last-mile connectivity.

  • Government bus availability to increase from 7 to nearly 12 buses per one lakh population.

Cheema said the expansion reflects the Punjab government's commitment to providing affordable, reliable, safe, and accessible public transportation while meeting the growing demand for government bus services across the state.