Transport Minister Unveils Plan for EV Buses and Eco-Friendly Ecosystem in Punjab
-Directs Transport and Local Government Officials to Conduct Joint Survey
-First Phase to Introduce 425 EV Buses in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, and Patiala
Chandigarh, April 3
The Punjab Government has embarked on a significant initiative to introduce electric vehicle (EV) buses and foster an eco-friendly ecosystem across the state. This move aims to create a pollution-free environment while enhancing transportation facilities and improving environmental conditions for the people of Punjab.
During a meeting held today at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar issued directives to officials from the Transport and Local Government Departments to collaborate on a survey to facilitate the operation of EV buses and promote a sustainable ecosystem. Highlighting the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government, the Cabinet Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to eliminating pollution and ensuring a cleaner environment for its citizens. “The time is ripe to bring EV buses to Punjab,” he stated, urging officials to take swift action to realize this goal.
The Transport Minister revealed that, in the first phase, a plan will be developed to deploy EV buses in five major cities: Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, and Patiala. The proposed allocation includes 100 EV buses for Amritsar, 75 for Jalandhar, 100 for Ludhiana, 100 for SAS Nagar, and 50 for Patiala.
Additionally, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar instructed officials from the Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS to assess the de-clubbing of bus route permits and devise legally compliant solutions to streamline operations.
The Cabinet Minister also announced that the Punjab Transport Department’s fleet will soon be expanded with the addition of 450 large buses and 100 mini buses from PRTC, along with 312 new buses from PUNBUS. The necessary processes to integrate these vehicles are already in progress.Punjab Excise Department Achieves Historic Rs. 9,878 Crore in Online Auction for FY 2025-26: Harpal Cheema
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) D.K. Tiwari, State Transport Commissioner. Jaspreet Singh, Director State Transport Rajiv Gupta, and senior representatives from the Local Government and Transport Departments.
