Kamal Ghorui
CHANDIGARH: 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 to strengthen public transport infrastructure.Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said on Saturday the decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with the objective of improving passenger facilities, safety, accessibility and overall efficiency at major transport hubs.He said the bus terminals serve as key connectivity points for both rural and urban populations and play an important role in inter-state travel to neighbouring states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.According to the minister, Ludhiana and Jalandhar bus terminals handle between 75,000 and one lakh passengers daily, while Patiala and Bathinda witness footfall of around 50,000 passengers every day.Bhullar said the projects will be implemented under Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer or Build-Operate-Transfer models to ensure quality services while maintaining fiscal prudence.The modernisation will focus on improving waiting areas, sanitation facilities, lighting, signage, organised boarding systems and parking arrangements, along with better crowd management during peak hours.He said provisions for barrier-free access will be included to ensure ease of movement for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.The minister added that the upgraded terminals will also be developed as integrated urban hubs with commercial and service facilities, subject to applicable norms, to improve passenger convenience and ensure long-term sustainability.
