Punjab Government Invests in Public Transport Modernization and Expansion
The Punjab government is undertaking a significant overhaul of its public transportation system, with plans for fleet expansion, digital ticketing, and modernization of key bus terminals across five districts. These initiatives, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aim to improve passenger experience, enhance safety, and promote environmental sustainability.
As of , the government announced the addition of 1,279 buses to the PUNBUS and PRTC fleets. This expansion will include 796 buses purchased directly and 483 inducted through leasing arrangements. PUNBUS is expected to receive 602 of these new buses, bringing its total fleet to 1,721, while PRTC will receive 670 buses.
Alongside the fleet expansion, the Punjab government is rolling out a state-wide system of cashless fare collection and online ticketing. This move is intended to streamline the payment process and improve convenience for passengers.
Bus Terminal Modernization Through Public-Private Partnerships
A key component of the modernization effort focuses on five bus terminals – located in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda – which will be upgraded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The goal is to transform these terminals into integrated urban hubs with improved amenities and accessibility.
These terminals are vital transport hubs, serving both rural and urban populations. The Ludhiana and Jalandhar terminals currently handle between 75,000 to 100,000 passengers daily, while Patiala and Bathinda see around 50,000 passengers each day. The upgrades will enhance efficiency, safety, and overall service delivery.
Commitment to Fare-Free Travel for Women
The government is continuing its policy of fare-free travel for women on state-owned buses. Officials state that this initiative can reduce monthly travel expenses for regular commuters by roughly ₹1,500–3,000, depending on route length and frequency of travel. Safety is also cited as a key factor in encouraging ridership, with newer buses being equipped with surveillance and tracking systems, including CCTV cameras and GPS.
Expansion of Electric Bus Scheme
Punjab is also making strides in sustainable transportation with the expansion of its electric bus scheme. By , the province plans to launch 1,115 electric buses across all districts. This initiative reflects a commitment to modernizing public transportation and promoting environmental sustainability.
To support the electric bus rollout, the Punjab Transport Company is establishing dedicated charging infrastructure, digitizing routes, and training personnel for electric vehicle operations. An EV Command and Control Centre has been inaugurated in Lahore, alongside a state-of-the-art automatic washing plant for electric buses, which utilizes a fully automated system for cleaning and drying.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Punjab Transport Company Headquarters and the EV Command and Control Centre in Lahore on . Plans are underway to solarize EV charging stations.
The government also announced plans to roll out metro bus services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala.
