Delhi-UP transport row worsens, DTC suspends inter-state buses to UP

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) today cancelled its inter-state bus service to Noida in reaction to the UP authorities seizing over 100 DTC buses operating in the neighbouring state.

''All DTC buses going to Noida stand suspended in response to the UP authorities having seized DTC buses operating in Noida,'' Delhi Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf told mediapersons here.

Chairman and the Managing Director of the DTC Anshu Prakash said the authorities in Uttar Pradesh had till date seized 122 DTC buses operating in Noida and Uttar Pradesh.

''Consequently, we have suspended all the inter-state buses operating in Uttar Pradesh,''he said.

The school buses plying to schools in Noida would, however, continue to operate.

However, Mr Yusuf said, ''In case these buses too are seized by the UP authorities, the school authorities will have to make their own arrangements for ferrying the children.'' Adopting a tough stance on the issue, Mr Yusuf said the Delhi Government would not allow the UP transport department to operate its buses in Delhi on city routes.

The row had crupted after the Delhi transport department on Tuesday impounded 11 buses of the UP Transport which were operating on city routes. The UP authorities in turn impounded DTC buses operating on Noida routes.

Though the authorities in Delhi later released the 11 buses of the UP transport department, the UP authorities continue to hold the DTC buses.

Criticising attempts by UP to politicise the matter, Mr Yusuf said politicising the issue would only worsen matters.

MORE UNI AR YA RAI2057