What Developmental Issues Did Punjab Governor Discuss with Union Ministers?

New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) The Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, convened a meeting on Friday to address significant developmental matters impacting Chandigarh and Punjab. Areas of focus included public transport, tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability with various Union ministers.

During a discussion with Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, the Governor brought up the unresolved issue of the approval for 328 electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He advocated for the prompt sanctioning of these buses to replace the outdated fleet of the CTU, most of which will reach the end of their operational lifespan between 2025 and 2027 due to the 15-year limitation on diesel vehicles.

The Governor also urged for the swift issuance of the letter of award for the 100 electric buses that were sanctioned in October 2023, stressing the necessity for their delivery before November 2025 to maintain consistency in public transport services. He ensured that the necessary vehicle scrapping certificates would be provided through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF).

In a separate meeting with Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Governor pointed out the need to improve rail connectivity between Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded and Punjab or Chandigarh, including Tarn Taran, to accommodate the increasing passenger demand and to support pilgrim travel. He also requested enhanced rail links between Udaipur and Chandigarh, which would greatly assist passengers travelling between Rajasthan and the Union Territory.

Governor Kataria also met with Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to deliberate on tourism development initiatives in Chandigarh. The Governor emphasized the importance of strategic investments to fortify the city’s tourism infrastructure while respecting its heritage, environmental values, and the influx of tourists. He highlighted the necessity of enhancing tourism and transport connections to religious, cultural, and administrative centers to promote regional growth and facilitate travel.

In addition to these discussions, the Governor paid a courtesy visit to Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav. The meeting revolved around environmental priorities and sustainable development issues critical to Chandigarh and Punjab, especially given the increasing focus on climate-conscious governance. All Union Ministers acknowledged the Governor’s concerns positively and committed to timely and effective action in the public interest, as stated in an official announcement.