Eco-friendly CNG Mini buses to run in Chandni Chowk

New Delhi, Feb 5 (UNI) The Delhi cabinet today gave the nod for introducing eco-friendly CNG Mini buses on two routes in the walled city.

The cabinet, in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, gave its approval for introducing 'Chandni Chowk Sewa' and also construction of a three-level grade separator at Azadpur in North Delhi.

The state government was committed to improving accessibility to the markets in Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi), reduce traffic volume, avoiding congestion in the area and providing pedestrians safe and convenient passage, she said.

The cabinet, while considering recommendations of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and directives of the Delhi High Court had decided to introduce pollution-free CNG mini buses on two route -- Chandni Chowk and Fountain.

It was decided to initially grant ten-stage carriage permits on the Chandni Chowk route and five on the Fountain route. More permits would be granted after the operation of these 15 buses was found to be satisfactory.

The mini buses would be painted green to go with its convenient environmental-friendly mode.

The Fare Revision Committee under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary (Finance) would finalise the fare structure whereas transport department and Municipal Corporation of Delhi would facilitate introduction of the new service that would provide relief to the residents, traders and visitors coming to the Chandni Chowk area.

The MCD and the transport department would also make an assessment of putting certain restrictions on plying of cycle-rickshaws after introduction of mini CNG buses on the two routes.

Earlier, battery-operated mini buses were run in the area for some time but they did not last very long due to high maintenance costs and technological problems.

The cabinet also agreed to the construction of a new three-level modern grade separator at Azadpur Intersection to make it signal-free.

The Public Works Department would complete this project within 30 months. It would have rainwater harvesting infrastructure apart from beautiful landscaping.

UNI