Relief for pvt bus operators in Mohali

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, November 27

After getting nod from the local administration to ply buses from near the old bus stand site in Phase 8, private operators can continue their bus service without any fear now.

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan today gave his nod to bus operators to continue their operations from Phase 8 till the start of city bus service or e-rickshaws in the town. A meeting in this regard was held, which was attended by senior officials of GMADA, Transport Department and PRTC, Regional Transport Authority, local councillors and residents.

The Deputy Commissioner said private buses plying from Phase 8 cater to hundreds of residents here. “A number of residents met me and requested me to allow continuation of bus operations from the old bus stand site. Undoubtedly, the new bus stand is a bit far away and residents living in southern parts of the town face a lot of inconvenience to reach there,” said Dayalan.

He said taking the convenience of local people into consideration, he directed the private bus operators to continue their operations till the start of e-rickshaw project or city bus service in the town.

The local RTA had recently asked the bus operators to stop their operations or be ready to face action.

While lauding the DC’s decision, area councillor SS Dhanoa said the site was located in the middle of the town.

“Hundreds of daily passengers, including teachers, factory employees, office-goers, students, come here to board buses to reach their destinations. If they have to go to the new bus stand in Phase 6, it will not only waste a lot of time but also burn a hole in their pocket,” said Dhanoa.

Earlier, the town had the only bus stand in Phase 8. After the new ISBT in Phase 6, GMADA took back the possession of its land on April 15, 2018 and halted the 25-year-old illegal bus stand run. Till then, private bus operators have been continuing their bus operations illegally from near the site.