Buses can run at full seating capacity, masks must: Punjab govt
CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced to allow all buses to ferry passengers to their seating capacity with the condition that everybody should wear masks.
The CM made the announcement during his Facebook Live interaction programme #AskCaptain while replying to a question by a Patiala resident regarding problems being faced by them due to non-availability of buses. The state government had earlier allowed plying of buses with 50% capacity.
The CM said he had learnt that buses were still off the road as restricted passenger load leads to financial losses.
CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced to allow all buses to ferry passengers to their seating capacity with the condition that everybody should wear masks.
The CM made the announcement during his Facebook Live interaction programme #AskCaptain while replying to a question by a Patiala resident regarding problems being faced by them due to non-availability of buses.
The state government had earlier allowed plying of buses with 50% capacity.
The CM said he had learnt that buses were still off the road as restricted passenger load leads to financial losses. He also announced extension in the deadline for applying for mini bus permits from June 30 to July 15.
Applications have been invited by the state government for permits covering more than 1,400 rural routes.
‘EXTENDING LOCKDOWN DEPENDS ON FUTURE’
Amarinder said the decision on extension of the lockdown in the state beyond June 30 will depend on the situation, adding he was prepared to take whatever steps needed to control the Covid spread. “It is in your hands. If we are able to control the pandemic then there will be no need for the lockdown. Lockdowns are for the safety of Punjab’s people,” he said.
CAPT TELLS AKALIS TO FOLLOW HEART
Amarinder also urged the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders to keep their political compulsions aside and follow heart in the interest of the state and its farmers on the issue of ordinances of the central government.
Stressing that there should be no politics when it came to issues of Punjab’s interests, Amarinder recalled that during his first tenure as the chief minister, he had abrogated the water agreements with neighbouring states to save Punjab’s water for its people.