Punjab to add 1,279 buses in biggest fleet expansion in over two decades

Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced a major expansion of the state's public transport network, with the addition of 1,279 government buses, claiming the move would make Punjab the country's leading state in public transport infrastructure.

The expansion will increase the state's government bus fleet from 2,267 to 3,546 buses, marking a 56 per cent increase — the largest in over two decades.

Alongside the fleet expansion, the Bhagwant Mann-led Government will introduce advanced technologies, including dashcams, onboard CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems and UPI QR code-based electronic ticketing, to enhance commuter safety, convenience and last-mile connectivity.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema said, "Punjab is undertaking the biggest expansion of its government bus fleet in more than two decades. With the addition of 1,279 buses, our total fleet strength will increase from 2,267 to 3,546 buses." He said the expansion would make Punjab the leading state in the country in terms of public transport infrastructure.

Highlighting the direct procurement of buses, the minister said the government has already placed orders for 696 ordinary buses, of which 387 will be inducted into PUNBUS and 309 into the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC).

He said around 300 buses are expected to become operational by November, while the remaining buses will be inducted in phases by the end of December this year.

Cheema further said that 100 midi buses have already been procured for PRTC to strengthen connectivity in both urban and rural areas. "These buses will enter service by September, taking the total number of directly procured buses to 796," he added.

The minister said deployment of the expanded fleet would be guided by scientific planning. "Satellite-based travel pattern surveys are being initiated across the state to identify underserved routes and ensure buses are deployed where they are needed the most. This evidence-based approach will help bridge existing connectivity gaps," he said.

Emphasising the state government's commitment to women's safety, he said that women currently account for around 54 per cent of passengers travelling on government buses. "The installation of CCTV cameras in all new buses will further strengthen their safety and provide a secure and reliable travel environment," he added.

The minister also announced that the Transport Department is equipping conductors with advanced electronic ticketing machines that support UPI payments through QR code scanning. "This modern system has been designed keeping in mind the growing preference among passengers for digital payment methods, making ticketing more convenient and efficient," he said.

Cheema said Punjab currently has around seven government buses per lakh population. With the latest expansion, the ratio will increase to nearly 12 buses per lakh population, placing the state well above the national average for State Transport Undertakings.

He added that the enhanced fleet would enable PUNBUS and PRTC to increase services on high-demand routes while extending government bus connectivity to villages and towns that currently lack scheduled services.

Existing government bus fleet: 2,267 buses

Total new buses being added: 1,279 buses

Government bus fleet after expansion: 3,546 buses

 Overall increase in fleet: 56%, the biggest expansion in more than two decades

Direct purchase of buses (796)

 696 ordinary buses ordered:

387 buses for PUNBUS

309 buses for PRTC

100 Midi buses already purchased for PRTC to improve rural and city connectivity

Total directly purchased buses: 796

 Kilometre scheme buses (483)

 483 buses to be inducted on lease under the kilometre Scheme

Over 250 leased buses are already operational

Another 100 ordinary buses and 50 AC/HVAC buses are expected to start operating by October 2026

 Rollout timeline

Around 300 ordinary buses to hit the roads by November

Remaining ordinary buses to be inducted by December

100 Midi buses to enter service by September

 Efficient operations

 Annual scheduled mileage: 3,842 lakh kilometres

Average daily run per bus: Around 300 kilometres, considered the optimum utilisation level