Punjab moots new bus policy to boost jobs

In a move aimed at breaking the existing monopoly in the transport system, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has mooted an open-door policy for bus permits, except on national highway routes, while directing the transport department to allocate certain bus routes for youth in order to facilitate employment generation.

Taking forward his government’s agenda to reform the beleaguered transport system in the state, and free it from the monopolistic shackles, the chief minister suggested rationalisation of inter-state routes to make them more competitive. This, he said, would also ensure better service and more cost-effectiveness for the consumers. It is worth mentioning that Congress accused previous Akali government of creating monopoly transport sector, by owing transport companies.

Chairing a preliminary meeting of the transport department to draft the new transport policy, the chief minister directed the concerned officials to explore the modalities for interstate route rationalisation.

It was decided at the meeting to go for e-tendering on lucrative routes to make the business more viable and profitable, while providing a level-playing field to all players.

The draft policy, being prepared by the department, will be put before the state Cabinet for approval soon, according to an official spokesperson.