Punjab Transport Department Records 10.91% Revenue Growth in 2024
Growth in Revenue, Infrastructure, and Services Transforming Punjab’s Transport Sector
The Punjab Transport Department, under the leadership of Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, has achieved significant progress in 2024, recording a substantial 10.91% revenue growth. The department’s three main entities—the State Transport Commissioner’s (STC) office, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), and Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS—collectively generated ₹3,546.29 crore, compared to ₹3,197.28 crore in 2023.
The STC office led the growth with a revenue increase of ₹270.74 crore, reaching ₹2,126.53 crore, up from ₹1,855.79 crore in 2023. PRTC also showed growth, with a slight rise of ₹8.53 crore, reaching ₹900.98 crore from ₹892.45 crore. Meanwhile, Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS saw a remarkable growth of ₹69.74 crore, with revenue surging to ₹518.78 crore, reflecting a 15.53% increase.
Minister Bhullar attributed the growth to the transparent and efficient policies implemented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government. A notable achievement is the extension of free travel benefits to 14.88 crore women passengers in Punjab, amounting to ₹726.19 crore in concessions in 2024. Since April 2022, ₹1,916.92 crore has been invested in 40.45 crore free journeys for women, alongside similar concessions for police personnel, students, differently-abled individuals, and patients with thalassemia and cancer.
The Transport Department is also focused on expanding its infrastructure. A new sub-depot in Daula, District Bathinda, is under construction with an investment of ₹3.36 crore, expected to be completed by the first quarter of the year. Additionally, the old bus stand in Patiala is being revitalized to enhance connectivity with nearby towns. This project includes 75 buses connecting Patiala to various towns such as Nabha, Samana, Bhawanigarh, Bhadson, and Ghanour.
In terms of fleet expansion, Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS is procuring 20 Super Integral BS-VI Compliant Buses and 19 H.V.A.C Buses, while PRTC is acquiring 83 new BS-VI compliant buses on a six-year lease.
The government also launched the ‘Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme’ in November 2023, offering free pilgrimages to religious sites across India for Punjab residents. So far, 35,000 devotees have benefited from the scheme. Additionally, 55 smart services for driving licenses and vehicle registrations have been introduced, with 38 services available entirely online and 17 requiring minimal office visits. Smart Cards for DLs and RCs are also being delivered via speed post.
These initiatives underline the Punjab government’s commitment to improving the state’s transport infrastructure and services, ensuring convenience for the public while driving significant growth in the sector.