A long-pending project of Ludhiana City Bus Services Limited (LCBSL) has taken a step forward, with the district administration announcing that a wheeled AI lab, mobile kitchen on wheels and washrooms will begin service to the public from January. These decisions were finalized at the LCBSL’s board meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner and Executive Director.
This is a major step towards bringing into service the five special buses that have been sitting unused at the Haibowal depot for nearly three years. Most of these buses were modified for community welfare during the Covid-19 period but could not be deployed due to administrative delays.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said, “These five buses will provide various services to the people including food, medical services, AI labs, washrooms etc. These services are expected to start in January.”
AI-enabled mobile medical unit
The board approved the deployment of a bus (PB-10-5C-6318) that was previously used as a Corona test van. The vehicle, equipped by the Sun Foundation during the pandemic, will be upgraded as an AI-supported mobile medical unit (AI Lab on Wheels).
This information will be handed over to the state health department and will be used for screening camps, preventive tests and diagnostic services across the district. The Deputy Commissioner directed authorities to complete technology integration and roadworthiness testing by mid-December.
restaurant on wheels for gatherings
The commission also approved the installation of bus PB-10-DZ-4510, which has been converted into a mobile kitchen/restaurant on wheels with rooftop seating. Starting in January, the bus will operate at large public events, exhibitions and tourist destinations.
LCBSL will seek partnerships with self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, and food startups to operate the buses on a revenue-sharing model.
This initiative is expected to contribute to revenue generation for city bus services.
Washrooms on wheels to support sanitary infrastructure
In another important move, bus PB-10-DZ-4511, which has been converted as a toilet van, will be operated in collaboration with the municipal corporation. The van provides mobile sanitation facilities for melas, gatherings, sporting events and inconvenient areas where public toilets are not available.
City officials will manage staffing, cleaning and waste disposal, while LCBSL will oversee vehicle movement and schedules.
The remaining two buses are expected to join the fleet by the end of January.
The board also considered the status of buses that are still being converted (PB-10-DZ-4506 and PB-10-DZ-4508). The contractor is directed to complete the following:
With work starting by the end of January, these buses could be added to LCBSL’s ‘Service on Wheel’ initiative.
Officials said these moves are part of a larger effort to revive Ludhiana city’s bus service, which is struggling due to a shortage of buses, high maintenance costs and declining ridership.
