CM says DTC's fleet doubling difficult to achieve by March'09

New Delhi, Sep 24 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today admitted that it would be difficult to achieve doubling of the DTC's fleet size by March 2009, though an order for 525 new low floor CNG buses had been placed.

She said the the Delhi Transport Corporation's fleet is slated to be raised to 6000 CNG buses, from its current size of 3100.

The Expenditure Finance Committee of the Government has already approved the proposal for procurement of another 4500 upto the year 2009-10. She said that 200 another white buses would be purchased for the Commonwealth Games 2010.

She made these comments while inaugurating the building of the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in Hauz Khas bus terminal.

The SBU will be solely responsible for the procurement and induction of new buses in DTC fleet.

The Chief Minister also inspected the new low floor buses, which would be fully operational next month.

She emphasised that Public Transport System should be so well maintained and commuter-friendly that citizens give up travel in their private vehicles and opt to travel in the new buses.

She pointed out that of the 525 new low floor CNG buses that the DTC has placed order for, 25 will be airconditioned.

The Chief Minister expressed the hope that DTC will emerge as a modern commuter friendly, bus service provider in Delhi.

''It can be the role model not only for the private operators in Delhi but also for the state transport undertakings in the other parts of the country,'' she said.

Ms Dikshit also urged to DTC employees, in particular, drivers and conductors to be sensitive to the needs of the commuters and take special care for the aged, disabled and school going commuters.

The Chief Minister instructed to DTC CMD to identify routes where the new buses will ply so that maximum benefit can be derived by the commuters.

Dispelling any apprehension regarding outsourcing the maintenance of DTC buses, the Chief Minister assured the employees that the induction of new buses will also increase the staff strength of DTC.

She urged the vehicle manufacturers to adhere to the committed time schedule so that the entire supply order is completed by July 2008.

Since the entire maintenance of the new buses will be with the vehicle manufacturer for virtually, the entire life of the bus, she said they must ensure that vehicles remain well maintained and fully operational.

Minister for Transport Haroon Yusuf said that the SBU would help and oversee the procurement and induction of new and modern buses in DTC fleet.

UNI