Punjab transport department records 10.91% revenue growth in 2024: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Tuesday, said that the transport department achieved a substantial increase of Rs.349.01 crore in revenue during 2024 compared to the previous year. He said that department's three wings- the State Transport Commissioner's (STC) office, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS - collectively generated revenue of Rs.3546.29 crore as compared to previous year revenue of Rs.3197.28, marking a 10.91 percent growth. Breaking down the performance of the three wings, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that the STC office's revenue surged from Rs.1,855.79 crore to Rs. 2,126.53 crore, representing a significant increase of Rs.270.74 crore, which becomes 14.59 percent increase. The PRTC also demonstrated growth, with revenue rising from Rs.892.45 crore in 2023 to Rs.900.98 crore in 2024, an increase of Rs.8.53 crore, he added.

While sharing the details of Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS revenue, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said, the Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS had received Rs.449.04 crore in the year 2023, and the revenue has further increased to Rs.518.78 crore during the year 2024. He said that Rs.69.74 crore increase amounts to 15.53 percent. Under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, the Cabinet Minister said, the department has implemented transparent and efficient policies that have accelerated its growth trajectory. He said that a notable achievement has been the provision of free travel facilities to 14.88 crore women passengers throughout Punjab from January to December 2024, amounting to Rs.726.19 crore in concessions. From April 1, 2022, the state government has invested Rs.1916.92 crore, facilitating 40.45 crore free journeys for the women of the state. The department also extends free/concessional travel benefits to various categories including police personnel, students, differently-abled individuals and patients with thalassemia and cancer.

S. Bhullar said that the department is actively expanding its infrastructure, with PRTC's first sub-depot under construction at Daula, District Bathinda, at an estimated cost of Rs.3.36 crore. The project, spread across 1.6 acres, is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of the coming year. Besides this, the department has revitalized the old bus stand at Patiala, implementing a phased approach to enhance connectivity with neighbouring towns. Under first phase, 75 buses connecting Patiala city to nearby towns of Nabha, Samana, Bhawanigarh, Bhadson and Ghanour are being operated. Also under Phase-2 routes Cheeka, Devigarh, Pehwa, Sanour on connectivity gaps within 30 km of Patiala City has been started. In a significant fleet expansion initiative, Punjab Roadways/Punbus is procuring 20 Super Integral BS-VI Compliant Buses and 19 H.V.A.C Buses under the kilometer scheme. PRTC has also secured arrangements for 83 new BS VI compliant ordinary standard buses on a lease basis for six years.

He said that the government launched the 'Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme' on November 27, 2023, coinciding with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Purb. This initiative is providing state residents free pilgrimages to various religious sites including Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar), Varanasi Mandir, Mathura and Vrindavan Dham (Uttar Pradesh), Khwaja Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Rajasthan), Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Salasar Dham, Sri Khatu Shyam Ji, Mata Chintpurni Ji, Mata Jawala Ji, Mata Naina Devi Ji and Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrines. So far, about 35,000 devotees have visited the religious places. He informed that Mann government has introduced 55 smart services pertaining to driving licenses and vehicle registrations, with 38 of these services being entirely accessible online, while 17 services require minimal office visits. The facility of Home delivery of Smart Cards of DLs & RCs have been provided to the citizens of state through speed post after printing these cards at one and only printing station established at Chandigarh. The state has introduced modern technology based vehicle fitness through mobile tab by Motor Vehicle Inspector. Apart from this, registration process at the dealer level has been commenced