Punjab private bus operators seek tax waiver amid rising fuel costs

Spread the news

Chandigarh, May 27

Private bus operators in Punjab on Wednesday urged the state government to waive motor vehicle tax, citing rising diesel prices and increasing operational expenses. The operators said the transport sector is under severe financial pressure and warned that many buses may stop operating if immediate relief is not provided.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Punjab Motor Union president Sandeep Sharma said diesel prices have increased by nearly Rs 7.50 per liter in recent days, sharply raising the cost of running buses across the state.

He said the private transport sector has already been struggling due to higher prices of tyres, lubricants, spare parts, insurance premiums, and toll taxes. According to the union, operational expenses have increased significantly since 2022, while passenger fares have not been adjusted to reflect rising costs.

Sharma said around 7,500 private buses, including nearly 5,000 mini buses, are currently operating in Punjab. He appealed to the Bhagwant Mann-led government to waive the annual motor vehicle tax burden of nearly Rs 87 crore paid by private operators.

The union also expressed concern over the possibility of further fuel price hikes in the coming months. Sharma said many operators are finding it difficult to continue services under the present financial conditions.

He warned that if corrective measures are not taken soon, private bus operators may not be able to continue operating services in the state.

The bus operators have also sought a personal meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to press for urgent relief measures and discuss the future of private transport services in Punjab.

The demand for tax relief comes at a time when transport operators across several states are facing mounting operational costs. Bus operators in Punjab say immediate government intervention is necessary to ensure uninterrupted public transport services and prevent further financial strain on the sector.