The North News
Chandigarh, January 17 The Punjab government has approved a comprehensive plan to modernise five major bus terminals across the state, in a move aimed at improving public transport infrastructure and passenger convenience.
The project, cleared under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will see bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala and Bathinda upgraded through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said.
Bhullar said the initiative was designed to enhance efficiency, safety, accessibility and overall service delivery at some of Punjab’s busiest transport hubs. The terminals serve both rural and urban populations, catering daily to workers, students, traders, tourists and industrial labourers.
He added that the facilities also play a key role in inter-state connectivity, supporting passenger movement to neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.
According to official estimates, the Ludhiana and Jalandhar bus terminals handle between 75,000 and 100,000 passengers each day, while Patiala and Bathinda see footfalls of around 50,000 daily, underlining their importance to the state’s mobility network.
The modernisation programme aims to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and operational inefficiencies. Projects will be implemented under Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer or Build-Operate-Transfer models, with an emphasis on sustainability, quality services and fiscal prudence.
Planned upgrades include improved waiting areas, better sanitation, enhanced lighting and signage, organised boarding systems and structured parking. Special attention will be given to safety, crowd management and smoother circulation during peak hours.
The project also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with provisions for barrier-free access to support senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Mr Bhullar said the redeveloped terminals would also function as integrated urban hubs, potentially housing retail outlets, offices and logistics facilities, subject to regulatory approvals. He said the approach was expected to boost passenger convenience, generate economic activity and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The government said the initiative would significantly improve everyday travel for lakhs of passengers and set new standards for modern, people-centric bus terminals in Punjab.
