Bluelines to be gradually phased out in Delhi: CM

New Delhi, July 3: Keeping in the view the increase in the number of accidents involving blueline buses in Delhi, the state Government plans to phase out the buses in a gradual manner.

Reacting to a major accident in West Delhi in which an overspeeding blueline crashed against seven cars, killing a child and injuring seven others in West Delhi on Sunday, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said blueline buses would be gradually phased out from the city roads.

''Blueline buses will be gradually phased out from the city roads. As and when we get new buses, we will withdraw some number of blueline buses from the road,'' Ms Dikshit told newspersons here.

Stating that abrupt withdrawal of all blueline buses from the roads, a demand raised in several quarters, would lead to an increase in unemployment besides causing inconvenience to commuters, the Chief Minister said, ''The withdrawal of the buses would be done in phases.'' In the meantime, she said, the State Government would frame a policy prescribed for the operation of blueline buses. Anyone operating in the contravention of the said policy would be punished suitably, she said.

11-year-old Morick Sharma died and seven others, including Morick's father Surinder and brother Gorick, were injured when an overspeeding blueline bus crashed against seven cars, leading to a pile up also involving a scooter and an auto-rickshaw at Raja Garden Chowk on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Delhi Transport Minister Haroon Yousuf today visited the family of Morick and assured all possible help for the family.

UNI