Bhagwant Singh Mann Flags Off 250 New Buses, Boosts Punjab’s Public Transport Network

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday flagged off 250 new PRTC buses in Patiala, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening public transport, generating employment, and accelerating overall development across Punjab. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann outlined his government’s dual focus on infrastructure expansion and people-centric governance.

Sharing details of the transport expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today in Patiala, 250 new buses were flagged off and added to the PRTC fleet. This is not merely an improvement in transport facilities, but a significant step towards providing people with better, safer and more comfortable travel. This will strengthen public transport and also create new employment opportunities for the youth. In the coming days, more than 300 additional buses will be inducted into the PRTC fleet. The government is consistently making such efforts to enhance public convenience and move Punjab forward on the path of progress.”

Emphasising the scale of the expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that 254 ordinary buses and 100 mini buses will be added to the fleet of PRTC by the end of May 2026.” He also noted that tenders have already been floated for 309 more buses, further strengthening the state’s transport network.

Highlighting the employment potential, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This will pave the way for creating employment opportunities for 681 persons,” adding, “Around 110 ordinary buses were earlier added to the PRTC fleet in 2024, which had provided employment to 165 persons.” He further added, “Tender for induction of 309 more buses has also been floated, which will provide employment to 928 persons.”

Underlining the improved financial health of the corporation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “PRTC has registered a 53% increase in gross revenue, rising from ₹607.09 crore in the financial year 2021–22 to ₹927.83 crore in 2024–25.” He added, “In the current financial year 2025–26, PRTC is expected to cross ₹950 crore in gross revenue, reflecting nearly 57% growth.”

Reaffirming the AAP Government’s commitment to welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Since 2022, PRTC has provided free travel facility to 34.63 crore women commuters of Punjab at a cost of ₹1574 crore.” He further added, “Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme, PRTC has provided free HVAC bus travel facility worth ₹2.21 crore, enabling 9,529 passengers to visit religious places within and outside Punjab.”

Linking transport expansion with broader development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “With the expansion of the bus fleet, people in both urban and rural areas will be able to travel safely and comfortably.” He added that Punjab is rapidly moving on the path of development and the government is accelerating efforts to bridge the gaps of decades.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is undertaking multi-dimensional development to restore Punjab to its former glory as a Rangla Punjab.”

Detailing development works in the region, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Since assuming office, our government has spent approximately ₹400 crore on development works across various departments in the Patiala Rural constituency, transforming its overall landscape.” He further noted that crores of rupees have been continuously invested since 2022 to strengthen infrastructure and public services.

On agriculture, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To make farming profitable again, which had become a loss-making occupation, our government has spent ₹60 crore through the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department on multiple initiatives.”

Highlighting improvements in healthcare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “₹7.91 crore has been spent over the past four years on three projects through the Health and Family Welfare Department, while an additional ₹14.54 crore is currently being spent on expanding healthcare services.”

On education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “With the aim of providing world-class school education to Punjab’s children, the government has spent ₹825.22 crore on eight projects through the School Education Department between 2022 and 2026, with additional projects worth ₹80.92 crore currently underway.”

Focusing on infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “₹6.71 crore has been spent on 17 works through the Public Works Department, while ₹21.02 crore is being spent on 11 ongoing works and ₹23.03 crore will be spent on 21 additional projects.”

On rural infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “₹12.98 crore has been spent through the Punjab Mandi Board on eight works, including repairs, new construction, and mandi infrastructure expansion, while additional works are ongoing and planned.”

Highlighting flood prevention measures, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “₹1.27 crore has been spent since 2022 on river cleaning and flood control works, with more projects underway and planned.”

On urban and sewerage infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “₹1.34 crore has been spent on two works through the Sewerage Board, while two major projects worth ₹366 crore are currently underway to strengthen infrastructure.”

Detailing urban development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “₹42.16 crore has been spent over the past four years on 114 works across wards through the Municipal Corporation, with several projects ongoing and more in the pipeline.”

On water conservation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “₹1.24 crore has been spent on underground pipelines and water preservation works through the Soil Conservation Department, with ongoing and upcoming projects further strengthening efforts.”

He further highlighted investments across departments including Rural Development, Patiala Development Authority, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, Panchayati Raj, and Water Supply and Sanitation, noting that extensive works are underway and planned to strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life.

Seeking continued public support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “To continue these development works at the same pace, we require the support and cooperation of all of you.” He added, “I am confident that just as you supported our party wholeheartedly in the previous elections, you will continue to stand with us in the 2027 elections as well.”