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Chandigarh, July 11
Punjab is preparing for its biggest expansion of government-run bus services in more than 20 years, with the state government announcing plans to add 1,279 new buses to its public transport fleet. The move is expected to increase the number of government buses from 2,267 to 3,546 — a rise of about 56% — as the state seeks to improve connectivity between cities, towns and villages while making public transport safer and more accessible.
Announcing the expansion at a press conference in Chandigarh, Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the additional buses would strengthen the state’s transport network and help meet growing passenger demand.
The government has already placed orders for 696 ordinary buses, with 387 to be operated by PUNBUS and 309 by the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). Around 300 buses are expected to begin operating by November, while the remaining vehicles are scheduled to be introduced by the end of December.
An additional 100 midi buses have also been purchased for PRTC. These smaller buses are expected to improve transport links in both urban neighbourhoods and rural areas and are likely to enter service by September.
For many commuters, particularly those living in villages with limited transport options, the expansion could mean shorter waiting times and better access to schools, hospitals, workplaces and government services.
Officials say the deployment of the new buses will be based on satellite-assisted travel pattern surveys to identify areas where public transport remains inadequate. The aim is to increase services on busy routes while extending bus connectivity to regions that currently have little or no scheduled government transport.
The new fleet will also include several technology upgrades. Each bus will be equipped with dashboard cameras, internal CCTV cameras and GPS tracking systems to improve passenger safety and enable better monitoring of services.
The government also plans to introduce electronic ticketing machines that accept UPI payments through QR codes, allowing passengers to pay digitally instead of relying only on cash.
Speaking about passenger safety, Cheema said women currently account for around 54% of those travelling on government buses. He said CCTV cameras on the new buses were intended to provide a safer travel environment for female passengers.
According to the minister, Punjab currently has around seven government buses for every one lakh people. After the expansion, that figure is expected to rise to nearly 12 buses per lakh population, placing the state above the national average for state-run transport services.
The Punjab government says the investment is intended to make public transport more affordable, reliable and accessible while improving last-mile connectivity across the state.
