PRTC official okays resumption of bus service at old bus stand

Mohit Khanna

Patiala, March 2

In a move that could bring a huge respite to local residents, the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) chairperson, Ranjodh Singh Hadana, today ordered the resumption of bus service from the old bus terminus.

The old bus stand has been in disuse after a new one was inaugurated near Urban Estate on the Patiala-Rajpura highway in May last year.

The ruling AAP government has been at the receiving end ever since the bus stand was relocated. The Opposition has condemned the government, accusing it of not planning the project well before implementation.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Patiala Ajitpal Singh Kohli, who was accompanying Hadana, raised the issue of the old bus stand in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha recently.

During his address in the Vidhan Sabha recently, Kohli mentioned that while the government had done a commendable work by constructing the new bus stand in Patiala, attention needed to be given to the areas around the old bus stand, including shops, hotels, street vendors and businesses, to address the employment concerns of the people.

He emphasised that the old bus stand area had a historical significance with places such as Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib Gurdwara, the ancient temple of Kali Devi, courts, hospitals and markets located there.

Political observers believe that the relocation of the terminus would become a big issue during the coming civic body elections, which is why Kohli has been trying to find a solution to the problems faced by residents.

Earlier in January, Managing Director of PEPSU Ravinder Singh paid a surprise visit to the old bus stand, leading to speculation that the authorities might be planning to resume services there.

Moving the terminus to the Patiala-Rajpura highway backfired as it led to chaos in the Urban Estate area.

Moreover, since the new bus stand is situated on the outskirts of the city, people have been facing inconvenience and incurring expenses to reach the new bus stand. This has caused resentment among the residents.

In the initial phase, the PRTC will operate 25 buses at this station.

After that, additional buses will also be included in the fleet of this station for the convenience of residents of Patiala. The operation of these buses will be within a radius of 30 to 40 km, which will include places like Nabha, Samana, Bhadson, Cheeka, Rajpura, Ghanaur, Gharam, Bhawanigarh, etc.