Mann flags off 100 minibuses to boost rural connectivity in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday flagged off 100 new minibuses in Patiala, reaffirming his government's commitment to connecting every village with cities and strengthening public transport across the state.

Drawing a parallel with the expansion of canal irrigation, Mann said that just as canal water had reached every field, bus services would reach every village in Punjab.

The chief minister said the new 29-seater minibuses would improve rural connectivity, ease daily travel for residents and students, and provide better access to education, employment and essential services.

He also announced that another 309 full-size buses would be added to the fleet next month, while the induction of the 100 minibuses was expected to generate employment opportunities for around 150 drivers and conductors.

During the event, offer letters were handed over to 15 young people for jobs in the transport department.

𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

Speaking to the media after flagging off the buses, Mann said public transport was essential for the social and economic development of rural communities.

"Public transport is not merely a means of travelling from one place to another; it is a lifeline for rural communities. Reliable bus services enable students to pursue education, help families access employment opportunities and strengthen the economic and social fabric of villages," he said.

Emphasising balanced development, the chief minister said, "Just as we have ensured that canal water reaches every field, we will ensure that buses reach every village in Punjab. The benefits of development must reach every household, irrespective of whether people live in big cities, small towns or remote villages."

Mann alleged that previous governments had neglected rural transport connectivity and discontinued several village-to-city bus services, leaving residents struggling to travel for work, education and other essential needs.

"Our government is determined to reverse this trend and ensure that no one is deprived of opportunities because of where they live," he said.

𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗥𝗧𝗖 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀

The 100 new minibuses will operate on rural and small-town routes through nine depots of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC).

According to Mann, the buses have been allocated to depots in Patiala, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Sangrur, Barnala, Budhlada, Kapurthala, Faridkot and Ludhiana.

He said the services would make daily commuting easier for rural residents travelling to cities for employment, business and other essential activities.

School and college students would also benefit from improved connectivity, particularly those who depend on public transport to reach educational institutions.

𝗙𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱

Highlighting the government's plans to expand public transport, Mann said another 309 large buses would join the fleet next month.

He added that around 3,000 privately operated minibuses were already connecting villages, towns and cities across Punjab.

"We are continuously strengthening the public transport network to make travel more accessible for people," he said.

In a post on X, Mann reiterated that the 100 minibuses had been added to the PRTC fleet to strengthen Punjab's transport infrastructure and improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

The chief minister said the induction of the minibuses would create approximately 150 employment opportunities for drivers and conductors.

"Our government is committed to combining public welfare with job creation so that investments in public infrastructure also create livelihood opportunities," he said.

Mann maintained that strengthening public transport would not only improve mobility but also help rural residents access economic opportunities and essential public services.

Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Balbir Singh were also present at the flagging-off ceremony.