Punjab to Add 1,265 Buses to PRTC, PUNBUS Fleets

Why It Matters

The massive fleet boost expands capacity, improves service quality and creates jobs, strengthening Punjab’s regional mobility and transport industry.

Key Takeaways

• Punjab adds 1,265 buses, the largest fleet expansion to date
• 250 buses already delivered via the Kilometre Scheme
• PRTC will procure 309 standard and 100 midi buses through tender
• PUNBUS receives 19 Volvo and 100 HVAC buses for comfort
• Expansion targets job creation and broader route coverage statewide

Pulse Analysis

Punjab’s public‑transport landscape has long grappled with overcrowded routes and aging vehicles. By injecting 1,265 new buses, the state is not only addressing capacity gaps but also signaling a strategic shift toward a more resilient, modern fleet. The addition represents a significant percentage increase over the existing PRTC and PUNBUS inventories, positioning Punjab among Indian states with the most aggressive transit upgrades in recent years.

The expansion leverages a hybrid procurement model. While 250 buses arrived through the Kilometre Scheme—where private owners fabricate vehicles to government specifications—the transport department is running a transparent tender for 309 standard and 100 midi buses for PRTC. PUNBUS’s allocation includes premium assets such as 19 Volvo and 100 HVAC units, alongside 387 directly added buses and 100 ordinary units under the kilometre program. This blend of direct procurement and private‑sector participation aims to accelerate delivery timelines, ensure quality compliance, and diversify the supply chain for bus manufacturers.

Beyond capacity, the rollout is a catalyst for employment and economic activity. The Kilometre Scheme alone is expected to generate thousands of jobs in fabrication, maintenance and ancillary services, while the tender process stimulates competition among domestic bus makers. Improved fleet reliability and comfort are likely to boost ridership, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and contribute to lower emissions. As Punjab’s urban centres expand, the new buses will underpin broader regional connectivity, supporting commerce, tourism and the state’s long‑term growth agenda.