Patiala, October 26
Flagging off 100 new mini buses in Patiala on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s commitment to connecting every village with cities, declaring that just as canal water has reached every field, buses would reach every village in Punjab. Taking a swipe at previous governments for discontinuing village-to-city bus services, he said the new buses would strengthen rural connectivity, ease daily travel for residents and students, and improve access to education, employment and essential services.
Announcing that another 309 large buses would join the fleet next month, Mann said the induction of 29-seater 100 mini buses would also generate employment for around 150 youth, while 15 young people were handed offer letters for jobs in the transport department. Taking to X, Mann stated: “Strengthening Punjab’s transport infrastructure, today we added 100 new mini buses to the PRTC fleet in Patiala. These buses will specifically connect our villages with cities, making travel more convenient for rural residents. We also handed over offer letters to 15 young people for jobs in the department. To further improve public transport services, another 309 new full-size buses will be added to the fleet next month.”
During a media interaction after flagging off the buses, Mann said, “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.”
Emphasising the government’s commitment to 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.” He pointed out, “Earlier governments neglected rural transport connectivity, leaving people struggling to travel to cities 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.”
The Chief Minister said, “The 100 new 29-seater mini buses will operate on rural and small-town routes through PRTC’s nine depots. These services will make daily commuting easier for rural residents travelling to cities for employment, business and other essential activities. School and college students will also benefit significantly from improved connectivity.” He said the buses had been allocated across various depots, including Patiala, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Sangrur, Barnala, Budhlada, Kapurthala, Faridkot and Ludhiana.
Highlighting the expansion of public transport, Mann said, “Another 309 large buses will be added to the fleet next month. Around 3,000 privately operated mini buses are also connecting villages, towns and cities across Punjab. We are continuously strengthening the public transport network to make travel more accessible for people.”
On employment generation, he said, “The induction of these 100 new mini buses will create employment opportunities for approximately 150 drivers and conductors. Our government is committed to combining public welfare with job creation so that investments in public infrastructure also create livelihood opportunities.”
Mann said, “Better rural connectivity is essential for strengthening Punjab’s rural economy. It will help people reach their workplaces, enable students to attend educational institutions more conveniently and allow rural residents to access markets and essential services with greater ease.”
The Chief Minister added, “Development cannot be measured merely by the infrastructure built in big cities. It must also be measured by the opportunities, convenience and dignity it brings to ordinary people living in villages. Our aim is to build a Punjab where geographical distance does not become a barrier to education, employment or progress.”
Congratulating the people on the occasion, Mann reiterated that the state government would continue its efforts to strengthen public transport and ensure that every village remained connected to Punjab’s growth and development.
