30 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Ludhiana witnessed widespread commuter disruption on Monday as 23 Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses were diverted to accommodate a high-profile state government event, leaving thousands of daily passengers scrambling for alternative transport. The sudden changes in bus routes created long queues at major bus stops and sparked frustration among regular commuters who rely on public transport for work, education, and other daily activities.
Authorities confirmed that the diversions were necessary to facilitate a government event in the city, which included participation from several state officials and VIPs. However, the communication about the route changes was reportedly limited, leaving passengers unaware until they arrived at their respective bus stops.
Impact on Daily Commuters
Residents and daily passengers reported confusion and inconvenience, as several buses that normally ply busy city routes were rerouted through less accessible streets. Many commuters said they were forced to take longer routes or wait for hours, particularly during peak travel times.
“I missed an important office meeting because the bus I usually take was diverted. There was no proper notice about the changes,” said Ravi Sharma, a daily commuter from Model Town. Similar complaints flooded social media, with citizens expressing frustration over the lack of prior announcements.
School and college students, especially those commuting to educational institutions across the city, were also affected. Parents and students reported having to rely on private transport or auto-rickshaws, increasing travel costs unexpectedly.
Authorities Explain the Diversion
Officials from the Punjab Roadways and PRTC explained that the diversions were implemented to ensure the smooth movement of government convoys and security arrangements for the state event. They emphasized that public safety and VIP security were the primary considerations for these temporary changes.
A spokesperson for Punjab Roadways stated, “We understand the inconvenience caused to our passengers. The diversions were unavoidable due to the state event, but regular services will resume once the event concludes.”
Despite the explanation, some commuters felt that better planning and communication could have reduced the disruption. Suggestions from residents included the use of SMS alerts, social media updates, and temporary signboards at major bus stops to inform passengers in advance.
Wider Traffic Disruptions
The bus diversions had a knock-on effect on city traffic. Many motorists reported increased congestion on secondary roads as diverted buses added to existing traffic loads. Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers saw a spike in demand, leading to higher fares in some areas.
Traffic police in Ludhiana were deployed to manage the increased load, directing vehicles and ensuring the safety of pedestrians amid the chaos. Authorities urged commuters to plan their travel in advance and consider alternative routes or transport modes.
Public Response and Suggestions
Social media platforms became a hub for commuters to share updates and real-time information about diverted buses. Hashtags like #LudhianaBusDiversion and #PRTCAlert trended locally, with passengers sharing which routes were affected and alternative options.
Local civic groups have also called on the state government to improve communication strategies during such events. They suggested implementing a city-wide transport advisory system that could notify commuters about road closures, route diversions, and temporary schedule changes.
State Government Event Context
While the exact nature of the state government event was not fully disclosed, reports indicate that it involved key administrative announcements and participation from high-ranking officials, necessitating heightened security and restricted bus movements in specific areas. Such events, while essential for governance, often clash with the daily routines of city residents, highlighting the need for improved coordination between authorities and public transport agencies.
Looking Ahead
Transport authorities assured the public that normal bus services would resume once the event concluded. They also promised to review contingency plans to ensure that future events cause minimal disruption to commuters.
Commuters, however, expressed hope that authorities would implement long-term solutions, such as dedicated lanes for government convoys, better public notifications, and a digital alert system that could inform passengers about route changes in real time.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, officials emphasized that safety and security considerations remain paramount, especially during events involving government officials and large crowds.
Conclusion
Monday’s bus diversions in Ludhiana highlighted the challenges of balancing public convenience with official security needs. While authorities acted with safety in mind, the disruption underscored the need for better communication, advanced planning, and real-time updates to minimize inconvenience to daily commuters.
As Ludhiana continues to host events of administrative importance, residents hope that lessons from this incident will help ensure smoother coordination between the state government, transport authorities, and the public.
Summary
Ludhiana commuters faced disruption as 23 Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses were diverted for a state government event. Lack of communication left thousands stranded, causing delays and frustration across the city.