MCB to launch 20 mini buses in trans-railway line area

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 4

After failing to get a private transporter for operating city buses, despite floating the tenders thrice, the Municipal Corporation has now decided to run these buses with the aid of PRTC.

After a long wait, 18 new mini buses have reached the city. These will now be run in the trans-railway line area before the elections.

Once these buses are operational, a large number of people living in around 50 colonies will be benefitted in trans-railway line area.

At present, residents of these areas have no option but to travel by three-wheelers.

The ruling SAD is trying hard to start this service before the enforcement of the code of conduct and it is expected that this mini city bus service will be inaugurated in this coming week.

Earlier, Union Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had instructed the MCB officials to start the mini bus service project in trans-railway line area at the earliest.

MCB commissioner Anil Kumar Garg said the MCB had received 18 mini buses and two more buses would be added to the fleet soon.

He said the talks were in the final mode with the PRTC regarding driving these buses and formal decision on it would be taken tomorrow in the meeting.

These buses have cameras, led display and direction display and they have been made by Tata company.

Display indicators while reversing and turning have also been installed in the buses. They have auto doors and computerised system emergency windows.

Each bus has 18 seats and can adjust 10-12 persons who can stand in the bus.

In 2013, the MCB had given order to buy 20 mini buses but due to lack of funds, this scheme could not be started.

Now, the state government has provided funds to start the service before the elections.