The Punjab Government would implement Integrated Management System (IMS) at all the depots of Punjab Roadways at the cost of Rs25.92 crore.The State Government is also planning to buy 1,800 Digital Ticketing Machines and Global Positioning System for the buses, said the State Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar on Monday.
He said that Digital Ticketing Machines have been carried out in all of the buses of Punjab Roadways. As many as 580 Digital Ticketing Machines have been bought at a price of Rs37 lakh in the course of the year 2013-14 and 300 such machines have been bought at Rs19 lakh in the current year.“Department has decided to renovate or upgrade workshops of the Punjab Roadways. The buildings of workshops will be renovated with the cost of Rs1.81 crores and tool and machinery will be purchased with the cost of Rs4 crores to upgrade the workshops,” he said.
Kohar said that to provide comfortable and reliable bus service to the general public, 173 ordinary and 25 HVAC buses were purchased by PUNBUS during 2012-13.“112 ordinary buses and two volvo buses have been inducted in the fleet of PUNBUS during 2014-15. The matter is under process to purchase more 305 ordinary and 10 super integral coach AC buses with the cost of Rs75 crores,” he said.
By inducting new buses in the fleet of the department, the very old or condemned buses of Punjab Roadways have been grounded. At present, the fleet strength of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS is 1,682 buses, out of which there are 1,524 ordinary buses, 135 HVAC buses and 23 super integral coach AC buses.
With a view to eliminate private service provider firms and to provide employment opportunities to the youths, 1,250 conductors, 1,250 drivers and 200 workshop staff is being recruited on contract in the PUNBUS. The selection will be made on the basis of Merit, Experience and practical test, or interview He said that free or concessional traveling facilities have been provided to the tune of Rs109.17 crores during 2012-13, Rs68.98 crores in 2013-14 and such facilities will be provided to the tune of Rs90 crores during 2014-15, added the Minister.
He further said that a proposal to construct Bus Stand at Roop Nagar on Build, Operate and Transfer basis and a target to achieve total income of Rs 229 crores by the Punjab Roadways and 410 crores by PUNBUS during 2014-15.