From Ludhiana to Patiala: Punjab Govt clears modernisation of bus terminals in 5 key cities
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 17, 2026:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved a comprehensive plan to modernise major bus terminals across the state, aimed at strengthening public transport infrastructure and improving passenger convenience.
Disclosing this, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala and Bathinda will be upgraded through a structured Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. He said the initiative is focused on enhancing efficiency, safety, accessibility and overall service delivery for passengers.
The minister noted that these bus terminals act as vital transport hubs for both rural and urban populations, facilitating daily travel for workers, students, traders, tourists and industrial labourers.
He added that the terminals also play a crucial role in inter-state connectivity, supporting passenger movement to neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.
Highlighting their importance, Bhullar said the Ludhiana and Jalandhar bus terminals handle between 75,000 and one lakh passengers daily, while Patiala and Bathinda witness footfalls of around 50,000 passengers every day. This, he said, underscores the critical role these facilities play in Punjab’s mobility ecosystem.
From Bathinda in the west to Jalandhar in the Doaba region, and from Ludhiana to Sangrur and Patiala in Malwa, the government is upgrading terminals that citizens already rely on daily, the minister said. He added that through the PPP model, these terminals will receive modern amenities, safer spaces and better facilities without disrupting routine travel.
The modernisation projects will be implemented using Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer or Build-Operate-Transfer models to ensure sustainability, quality services, smoother operations and better integration with urban transport systems, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
As part of the upgrades, emphasis will be placed on improving passenger amenities such as waiting areas, sanitation facilities, lighting, signage, organised boarding arrangements and structured parking. Special focus will be given to safety, circulation and crowd management to ensure smooth functioning during peak hours.
The initiative also prioritises inclusivity, with provisions for barrier-free access and ease of movement for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, ensuring dignified and accessible public transport for all.
Minister Bhullar further said that, subject to planning norms and regulations, the modernised bus terminals will be developed as integrated urban hubs.
These complexes may include commercial and service activities such as retail outlets, offices, co-working spaces and logistics support facilities, which are expected to boost economic activity and enhance long-term financial sustainability.
He added that through this initiative, the Punjab Government aims to upgrade everyday public infrastructure, improve the travel experience of lakhs of citizens and set new benchmarks for modern, efficient and people-centric bus terminals in the state.