Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria today chaired a review meeting with Chief Secretary Shri H. Rajesh Prasad; Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh; Finance Secretary Shri Diparva Lakra; Home Secretary Shri Mandip Singh Brar; Secretary, State Transport Authority, Shri Nitish Singla; Director Transport-cum-Divisional Manager, Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU), Shri Avikesh Gupta; and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration to review the functioning of public transport and app-based transport aggregator services in the Chandigarh.
Emphasising efficient, accessible and sustainable public transport, the Administrator directed the authorities to increase bus frequency on high-demand routes, rationalise services on low-demand routes and strengthen connectivity across the Tricity region, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur and Kharar, besides improving inter-state connectivity with Punjab and Haryana. He stressed that reduced travel time and better route planning would encourage greater use of public transport.
Reviewing the modernization of the transport system, Shri Kataria called for expanding the fleet of low-floor and electric buses and study/examining the feasibility of a grid-based route planning model to improve operational efficiency and public convenience. He reviewed the implementation of the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, under which 100 electric buses have been sanctioned, of which 80 are already operational, while an additional 328 electric buses are proposed to further strengthen the fleet.
The Administrator also directed a comprehensive review of long-distance bus routes to assess their operational and financial viability. To improve CTU's financial sustainability, he recommended increasing non-fare revenue through advertisements on buses and transport infrastructure, besides enhancing passenger information services through digital display boards, physical bus timing charts and QR code-based information systems. He was also informed about the existing monthly student, ordinary and tourist bus pass system, while proposals for employee passes are under consideration.
Reviewing app-based transport aggregator services, the Administrator was apprised of the regulatory framework under the Chandigarh Administration Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2025, including the notified fare structure and enforcement measures. He noted that a well-regulated aggregator ecosystem should complement the app-based transport aggregator services while safeguarding the interests of taxi drivers and ensuring Public safety, transparency and public convenience. Discussions were also held on the regulatory framework for bike taxi services.