Latest news with #PunjabRoadways
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Guess Who? From Bus Driver's Son To Global Icon With His Own Private Jet
Last Updated: Diljit Dosanjh, once a village 'kirtan' singer, made history at Coachella and Met Gala 2025, becoming a global icon and Vogue's Most Stylish Celebrity What began in the quiet streets of a village in Punjab has turned into a global phenomenon. Diljit Dosanjh, once a boy singing kirtan in Gurudwaras, is now a celebrated icon on international stages like Coachella and the Met Gala. Early Life Born on January 6, 1984, in Dosanjh Kalan, a small village in Punjab, Diljit Dosanjh was raised in a modest household. His father, Balbir Singh, worked for Punjab Roadways, and his mother, Sukhwinder Kaur, is a homemaker. His first encounters with music were spiritual, as he sang devotional hymns in local Gurudwaras. Remarkable Rise To Fame Diljit Dosanjh's ascent was slow but steady. He gained acclaim for his acting in Jatt and Juliet (2012), Punjab 1984 (2014), Udta Punjab (2016), Phillauri (2017), Soorma (2018), and Amar Singh Chamkila (2024). Simultaneously, his music reached global audiences with hits like Lover, Do You Know, 5 Taara, Proper Patola, and Born to Shine. Journey From Village Singer To International Icon In 2023, Diljit made history as the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella, one of the world's most prestigious music festivals. Today, he is considered among the wealthiest Punjabi entertainers, with a reported net worth of Rs 172 crore, according to the Hindustan Times. His success extends beyond music and film. In May 2025, Diljit made his debut at the Met Gala, one of fashion's most high-profile events. Dressed in an ivory-gold sherwani, turban, and a flowing cape adorned with the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script, he represented his roots with pride. He was voted the 'Most Stylish Celebrity at Met Gala 2025' by Vogue readers, surpassing global style icons such as Zendaya, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, including a private jet, California duplex, and luxury car collection, Diljit remains grounded, continuing to embody the values of humility, culture, and raw talent that first won him love in his village streets. First Published:
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana:Private operators bleeding PRTC dry, alleges union
Amid the ongoing induction of 200 new buses under the kilometre scheme, fierce opposition has erupted from workers of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). In a letter submitted to chief minister Bhagwant Mann and senior transport officials on May 7, workers, under the banner of the Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and PRTC contractual workers union alleged that the kilometre scheme has become a tool for corruption, siphoning off public funds and systematically weakening the state's own transport network. The Kilometre Scheme, under which private bus operators are paid, based on the number of kilometres covered on the government-issued permits, has long drawn criticism from employees and activists. The scheme launched as a public-private partnership model to ease the financial burden of expanding the state-run bus fleet, allows PRTC to invite private bus owners to run their vehicles on government-assigned routes. The scheme eliminates the need for the government to invest in purchasing new buses. Under this model, the private operator provides the vehicle, hires the driver, and bears all maintenance and fuel costs. PRTC, in turn, deploys its own conductors and handles route scheduling. The transport department pays the operator a fixed rate per kilometre, usually ranging between ₹9 to ₹10.5 depending on the bus type and year of agreement. A bus covering 15,000 km in a month could earn its owner nearly ₹1.5 lakh. However, union leaders argue that the scheme is neither cost-effective nor employment-friendly in the long term. Shamsher Singh Dhillon, state general secretary of the union, said, 'The scheme was introduced with the claim of creating jobs for unemployed youth. But how can a jobless person afford to invest ₹15–20 lakh in buying a bus? Also, the drivers are hired by private operators, and there is no regulatory check on their skill or conduct, unlike government-hired drivers. In case of mishaps, it is the PRTC's credibility that suffers.' Rising costs, no lasting gains According to the union, a private bus running 10,000 km a month under this scheme, earns around ₹93,500, while one covering 15,000 km earns upwards of ₹1.4 lakh. Over six years, a single private bus could cost the transport department close to ₹1 crore, without contributing to the creation of a public asset. 'In contrast,' the union noted, 'a government-owned bus costs around ₹30 lakh and remains in service for up to 15 years, while generating employment for drivers, conductors, and maintenance staff.' 'This is not about efficiency or economy. It's about siphoning public money in the name of convenience while sidelining our own workforce,' a senior union member added. Union warns agitation The union has issued a warning that if Kilometre Scheme buses are inducted again, they will launch a full-scale agitation. 'No private bus under this scheme will be allowed to ply on government routes. The administration will be held responsible for any disruption in public transport,' the union declared. Acknowledging the ongoing induction, PRTC chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana said, 'We floated the tender for 200 new buses under the Kilometre Scheme at the end of February. So far, PRTC has received around 80 buses.' He further added that the remaining 120 buses are expected to be inducted soon. However, when asked about the allegations of corruption and malpractice under the scheme, he refused to comment.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhaina: Interstate bus services may see normalcy, say officials
After two days of partial suspension due to heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, inter-state and night bus services operated by Punjab Roadways from Ludhiana may return to normalcy, officials said. The development follows a ceasefire announcement between the two nations on Saturday evening and the anticipated improvement in the security situation, officials familiar with the matter said. Bus services on interstate routes connecting Ludhiana to Jammu-Katra and Rajasthan had been partially suspended since Friday. Officials confirmed that three buses bound for Jammu and Katra were terminating in Pathankot, while two buses to Rajasthan's Sriganganagar were running only up to Abohar. However, services on these routes will now be gradually restored in phases, officials added. However, later in the evening, ceasefire violations were reported at several places, indicating that the process may be delayed. Night-time operations on high-demand routes, such as Jalandhar, Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Pathankot, which were impacted by a sharp decline in passenger footfall, will be resumed, officials said. Earlier, the buses on these routes used to carry over 100 passengers, a number which had plummeted to just 20 to 30 commuters. Notably, while buses continued to run on these routes, the number of operating vehicles was reduced due to low ridership and the need to reserve buses for any emergency response. Meanwhile, amid the heightened security tension, confusion prevailed among many frontline bus workers due to lack of clear operational guidance. 'After reports of a drone strike in Ferozepur, we didn't know whether services would continue on Saturday morning as no clear instructions were issued,' said Parveen Kumar, conductor on the Ludhiana to Ferozepur route. A senior Punjab Roadways official, seeking anonymity, clarified that while no formal directive was issued for route suspensions, depots have the autonomy to adapt to local conditions. 'There has been no official announcement regarding route curtailment. But the concerned depots are authorised to make such decisions based on the prevailing situation. Once the situation improves, we will reassess our all operations in coordination with local administrations and resume full services where feasible,' the official explained. Navraj Batish, general manager of Punjab Roadways, said, 'The Jammu-bound routes were the worst hit over the past two days due to low passenger numbers and security issues. Consequently, buses on these routes are currently operating only up to Pathankot, unable to continue further because of insufficient demand. We had previously strengthened security measures on sensitive routes to ensure that passengers and staff safety remains our top priority.'
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Himachal Roadways conductor assaulted in Pinjore
1 2 3 Panchkula: A Himachal Roadways conductor from Nalagarh depot was brutally assaulted by unidentified assailants on Siswan Road under the Pinjore police station limits. The attackers, armed with sticks and hockey sticks, severely injured the conductor before fleeing the scene. The injured was rushed to Baddi Civil Hospital with the help of depot officials. According to the police, the incident may be connected to an earlier altercation that occurred near Nangal Dam a few days ago, involving employees of Punjab Roadways. The police are investigating both incidents for possible links. Complainant Kuldeep Kumar, a resident of Una, informed the police that his bus operates on the Palampur to Chandigarh route via Siswan Road. On May 1, while travelling toward Chandigarh, a dispute broke out between him and a Punjab Roadways ticketing staffer near Nangal Dam. During that incident, the attackers allegedly assaulted the bus driver Harender, but the passengers intervened and stopped the fight. The attackers fled after issuing threats. On May 3, driver Vikramjeet was operating the same bus. Around 9.30 am, as the bus reached Nangal Dam, the same ticketing staff again allegedly issued threats. Later, when the bus reached Navanagar T-point on Siswan Road, a youth boarded from the rear door, called out the conductor, and led him to the back of the bus. There, several masked men were already waiting and began beating him with sticks and hockey sticks. Hearing his cries, passengers rushed to help, prompting the attackers to flee in a Scorpio SUV. A case has been registered under Sections 121(1), 132, 191(2), 191(3), and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. MSID:: 120875660 413 |
