On Makar Sankranti, Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday flagged off 60 new buses added to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) fleet. "This step is a major milestone in strengthening and modernizing public transport in Chandigarh," a statement said.

The Governor highlighted CTU’s efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation and announced that the administration aims to make the CTU fleet 100 per cent electric by 2026-27. This will not only reduce diesel consumption but also significantly improve air quality. So far, the administration has included 80 electric buses in the fleet, resulting in savings of 29.81 lakh liters of diesel and a reduction of 7,872 metric tons in carbon emissions. Under the PM E-Bus Scheme, 100 more electric buses will soon be added to the fleet, he added.

Kataria further said that the 60 new buses come equipped with modern features such as an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), smart card facilities, and integration with the Tri-City Mobile App. These technologies will allow passengers to check live bus locations, schedules, and fare details, making their travel more convenient and efficient.

Addressing CTU employees, the Governor suggested that all employees open their salary accounts in the same bank. He explained that this move would provide employees with better insurance facilities, reduce administrative workload for the department, and enhance their financial security.

With this fleet expansion, CTU now has a total of 684 buses. Among these, 438 buses serve urban and suburban routes, while 220 operate on long-distance routes. The inclusion of these advanced buses will significantly improve the travel experience for passengers.

The Governor also congratulated CTU for receiving national awards, attributing the achievement to the department’s efficient management. He urged citizens to make greater use of public transport to contribute to environmental protection and traffic management.


Governor Flags Off NCC Cycle Rally To Commemorate 76th Republic Day

In another function, Kataria flagged off the NCC Cycle Rally for 76th Republic Day 2025 from Chandigarh, conducted by NCC Directorate Punjab,Haryana,HP & Chandigarh (PHHP&C), aimed to foster the spirit of National Integration, adventure, and patriotism. The Governor interacted with the participating cadets, praising their spirit and commitment and motivated them to become good citizens, emphasizing the importance of their role in nation-building. The rally, themed "Bharat Ke Veer: Ek Shaurya Gatha" (The Braves of India: A Tale of Courage), will cover a total distance of 700 km from Hussaini Wala to New Delhi. A total of 25 participants, including NCC cadets, are part of the rally. The event is dedicated to the Historical Warriors, freedom fighters, and Brave hearts of the post-independence battles. The participating cadets will pay obeisance to various memorials enroute, highlighting national pride and unity. Cultural activities like Nukkad Natak, Drama, and Songs are being conducted by the NCC cadets enroute, aligned to the theme of the rally.  The rally will culminate in New Delhi at the Prime Minister's Rally, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of the 76th Republic Day of the Nation.