Gulab Chand Kataria Meets Union Ministers; Discusses E-Buses, Rail Links, Tourism & Environment
The Voice of Chandigarh News:
Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh, met Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs), Ashwini Vaishnaw (Minister for Railways), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Minister for Tourism), and Bhupender Yadav (Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change) in New Delhi to discuss critical developmental issues concerning Chandigarh and Punjab, particularly in the areas of public transport, tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
In his meeting with Manohar Lal Khattar, the Governor raised the pending matter regarding the sanctioning of 328 electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He urged early approval of these buses on the GCC model to replace the aging fleet of CTU and CCBSS, most of which will complete their operational life between 2025–2027, in line with the 15-year cap on diesel vehicles as notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Governor also requested the expedited issuance of the Letter of Award for the 100 electric buses already sanctioned in October 2023, emphasizing the need for their delivery before November 2025 to ensure continuity in public transport services. He assured that necessary vehicle scrapping certificates would be provided through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) in support of the Ministry’s green mobility efforts.
In a separate meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Governor highlighted the need to enhance rail connectivity between Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, and Punjab-Chandigarh, including Tarn Taran Sahib, to meet increasing passenger demand and facilitate pilgrim travel. He also called for improved rail links between Udaipur and Chandigarh, which would significantly benefit passengers traveling between Rajasthan and the Union Territory.
Mr. Kataria also called on Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss tourism development projects in Chandigarh. The Governor stressed the need for strategic investments to strengthen the city’s tourism infrastructure in alignment with its heritage, environmental values, and rising tourist footfall. He underlined the importance of bolstering tourism and transport links to religious, cultural, and administrative hubs to support regional growth and ease of travel.
As part of his engagements in the capital, the Governor also paid a courtesy call on Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Discussions focused on environmental priorities and sustainable development issues relevant to Chandigarh and Punjab, in light of the growing emphasis on climate-conscious governance.
The Hon’ble Governor also conveyed his heartfelt condolences and paid floral tribute on the recent demise of the father of Ashwini Vaishnaw, expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
All Union Ministers positively acknowledged the Governor’s concerns and assured timely and appropriate action in the larger public interest.
