Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Monday, flagged off first-of-its-kind two direct buses from border area, one from Khemkaran to Chandigarh, directly connecting the border belt to the state capital, and another bus from Tarn Taran to Sri Muktsar Sahib.
While addressing the media after kick starting the buses, the Transport Minister said that considering the convenience of border area residents, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has initiated several direct bus routes from the border region to other states and within state. Earlier, a direct bus from Patti to Shimla was introduced as part of this effort, he added.
The Cabinet Minister further said that the Patti Depot new bus will depart from Khemkaran Bus Stand at 4:45 AM and arrive in Chandigarh at 11:30 AM passing through Bhikhiwind, Patti, Moga and Ludhiana. It will return from ISBT Chandigarh at 11:50 AM, reaching Khemkaran at 7:30 PM via same route. The one-way bus fare will be Rs.360, said the Cabinet Minister.
He informed that the another bus of Tarn Taran Depot will depart from Tarn Taran Bus Stand at 5:40 AM and reach Sri Muktsar Sahib at 12:00 Noon via Jhabal, Thatha (Baba Budha Sahib), Amritsar, Harike, Makhu and Zira. On return journey, the bus will depart from Sri Muktsar Sahib at 12:35 PM and reach Tarn Taran at 5:40 PM via same route, with one-way bus fare of Rs.255.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that as the revenue of Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS is on rise, more buses will be introduced from other cities in the coming days.The Cabinet Minister emphasized that department officials have already been instructed to prioritize bus routes based on public demand, ensuring economical and comfortable bus services for the people.
S. Bhullar also highlighted that under the transparent and efficient policies of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the transport department is making significant progress. The Mann government has introduced a luxurious Volvo bus service at a very cheap fare from Punjab to Delhi International Airport and currently, around 25 buses are operational from various cities of the state to Delhi International Airport.