Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Minister Anil Vij inaugurates local bus service for Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City
Local Bus Service Resumes After 20 Years in Ambala- Anil Vij
Annual savings in travel costs for citizens will run into crores of rupees, making bus travel more affordable
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 1, 2024 - Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labor Minister, Anil Vij extended his best wishes to the people of the state on Haryana Day and launched the long-awaited local bus service for the people of Ambala Cantonment and City, after 20 years, on the auspicious occasion of Haryana Day.
Following the success of this service, electric bus service will also be introduced, contributing to a pollution-free environment. It is notable that this marks the second major gift to Ambala residents, after the escalator project, since the elections.
Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij on friday addressed a gathering organized by the Haryana State Transport Department, Ambala, near the Public Works Department Rest House in Ambala. Following this, he flagged off four mini-buses to commence the local bus service between Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City on various routes.
Extending greetings on Haryana Day, the Transport Minister highlighted that since the separation from Punjab on November 1, 1966, Haryana has made significant strides in development, while now feeling pity for elder brother Punjab. He said that on Haryana Day, local bus service was launched for city residents.
The buses will operate on routes such as Ambala City to Boh-Babiyal via Mini-Secretariat Ambala Cantonment, Tangri Dam and from Boh-Babiyal to Ambala City via Tangri Dam and Mini-Secretariat.
Additionally, routes include Ambala City to Kalarehri via Mini-Secretariat, Topkhana, Defence Colony and from Kalarehri to Ambala City via Defence Colony, Topkhana, Cantonment, and Mini-Secretariat.
Public feedback on these buses and service is invited, and routes will be improved based on suggestions. The bus service will be available every hour, with fares ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 25, significantly reducing annual travel expenses for regular commuters who currently pay ₹60 to Rs. 80. The Minister also announced plans to construct bus stands and shelters modeled after international standards along these routes.
A new bus stand at Jansui Head is being constructed for ₹3 crore and another at Ambala Workshop and Sub-center Narayangarh for Rs. 22 crore. Furthermore, ground-level parking at Ambala City Bus Stand is being developed at a cost of ₹1.45 crore.
On Haryana Day, Energy Minister reminds Punjab about Haryana’s Right to SYL Water
Energy Minister Anil Vij reiterated the unresolved issue of SYL water rights, emphasizing that Haryana, which separated from Punjab on November 1, 1966, has surpassed its northern neighbor and other states in various sectors. Haryana's infrastructure has significantly improved, and it now leads in industrial development, digital industrial zones and automobile manufacturing, contributing the most grain to the central pool.
Modern highways and expressways connect every part of the state, boosting the agricultural output of hardworking farmers. However, if SYL water rights were granted, agricultural productivity could increase even further, benefiting farmers across the region.
Anil Vij’s Impact from Ambala to Delhi in the Transport DepartmentTransport Minister Anil Vij mentioned that his influence has been felt from Ambala to Delhi since his first day in office.
Improvements at bus stands, including water facilities, toilets, cleanliness, fans and seating areas, have been prioritized, along with clearing encroachments. He emphasized that citizens must benefit from the government’s investment in bus station infrastructure.
The Minister revealed that he had shown only a "trailer" of his plans to departmental officers, with more to come in scheduled meetings on November 5, 6, and 7.
The agenda includes fast-tracking developmental projects and improving public services, with a script ready for these meetings. On November 4, he plans to thank supporters and citizens in a public event.
Delivering Gifts to Ambala with Each Ministry
Sh. Vij recounted that with every ministry he has led, he has ensured that Ambala benefits from significant projects. During his tenure as the Sports Minister, Ambala received football, swimming, all-weather gymnastics, badminton facilities and a sports stadium.
As the Health Minister, he transformed the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantonment and established a Cancer Hospital. When he held the Science and Technology portfolio, an international-level science museum was built near Shaheedi Smarak. Now, as the Transport Minister, he has reinstated the local bus service that was discontinued 20 years ago.
Anil Vij shares his experience of travelling daily between Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City
Sh. Vij shared his experience of travelling daily between Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City by bus for a year when he worked at the SBI bank. He emphasized that the reintroduced bus service would prevent road accidents and offer an affordable alternative to private transport, proving to be a boon for the city’s residents.
60-Second Development Campaign During Elections
He recalled the 60-second advertisement highlighting 60 development projects, which captured the attention of people not just in Ambala but also in neighboring districts.
The campaign resonated widely and drew significant public interest.Sh. Vij emphasized that residents remember the extensive development work done over the last decade.
These accomplishments were reiterated at every public meeting during the elections, making them unforgettable for the people of Ambala.
AAP Government of Delhi wants to end National Culture
He criticized the AAP government in Delhi, accusing it of trying to undermine the nation’s cultural heritage.He mentioned that, for the first time, people are celebrating Diwali for two days, with Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya after 500 years. He condemned the Delhi government for following policies that, according to him, threaten ancient traditions and festivities.
On this occasion SDM Satinder Siwach, RTA Sushil Kumar, Roadways GM Ashwini Dogra, CMO Dr. Rakesh Sahal, rural division head Kiran Pal Chauhan, district president Bijendra Chauhan, secretaries BS Bindra and Sanjeev Soni, along with several BJP leaders and officials were present.