Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria Flags Off 60 New Buses on Makar Sankranti
The Voice of Chandigarh :
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, flagged off 60 new buses added to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) fleet. He emphasized that launching this initiative on such a significant day makes it even more special. This step is a major milestone in strengthening and modernizing public transport in Chandigarh.
The Governor highlighted CTU’s efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation and announced that the administration aims to make the CTU fleet 100% electric by 2026-27. He added that 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.
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.
Senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration, including Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, Transport Secretary Ajay Chagti, and Transport Director Pradyuman Singh, attended the event. The Governor appreciated their efforts in ensuring the success of this initiative.
