"Punjab's transport infrastructure is set for a boost as the government approves the renovation of five district bus terminals."

The Punjab government has approved the modernisation of bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala and Bathinda through a structured Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, aimed at strengthening the State’s public transport infrastructure.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said on Saturday that the decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with the objective of improving passenger facilities, safety, accessibility and overall operational efficiency at key transport hubs.

He said the bus terminals serve as crucial connectivity points for both rural and urban populations and play an important role in facilitating inter-State travel to neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. According to the minister, the Ludhiana and Jalandhar bus terminals handle between 75,000 and one lakh passengers ежедневно, while Patiala and Bathinda witness a daily footfall of around 50,000 passengers.

Bhullar said the projects would be implemented under Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) or Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models to ensure quality services while maintaining fiscal prudence.

The modernisation works will focus on upgrading waiting areas, sanitation facilities, lighting, signage, organised boarding systems and parking arrangements, along with improved crowd management during peak hours. Provisions for barrier-free access will also be included to facilitate ease of movement for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The minister added that the upgraded terminals would be developed as integrated urban hubs with commercial and service facilities, in line with applicable norms, to enhance passenger convenience and ensure long-term sustainability.