DTC Fleet augmentation by 4500 modern buses at cost of Rs 1796 cro

New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) In a move that could help ease the ongoing crisis caused by the frequent accidents by Blueline buses , the Delhi Cabinet today paved the way for procuring new DTC buses by March 2009 to streamline the Public Transport System in the city by replacing the errant Blueline fleet.

A meeting of the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also approved a proposal of supplying of electricity at reduced rate which would directly provide substantial relief to around 47 per cent households belonging to the poor and economically weaker sections in the capital city. Apart from this, a scheme of Interceptor Sewerage System which would provide a fillip to cleaning of the Yamuna river was also approved.

The Cabinet has also approved a draft MoU between the Delhi Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government for the supply of 200 cusec water which would go the long way in making drinking water available to millions of people in Delhi especially in those colonies which are being regularised.

Briefing mediapersons after the Cabinet Meeting, the Chief Minister said her Government was committed to bringing modern buses in Delhi to overcome present difficulties being faced by commuters.

The Cabinet has decided to procure 4500 buses so as to achieve the target of 6000 DTC buses by March 31, 2009. The DIMTS has been nominated as Bid Process Manager for procurement of 4500 better fully built CNG-propelled city buses. Ms Dikshit said her government is fully aware of the need of new buses and would continue to accelerate the process of procurement in public interest.

Around 1000 standard CNG buses, another 1000 Semi-Low Floor CNG buses, 1500 Low Floor Non-AC CNG buses and 1000 Low Floor AC CNG buses would be procured at an estimated cost of Rs 1796 crore.

Apart from this, the Cabinet has also sanctioned an amount of around Rs 278 crore for procurement of land for 21 additional Depots, construction of more 29 Depot Buildings, plant and machinery for Standard Floor Height buses and additional expenditure in case additional Air Conditioned Semi Low Floor buses are procured.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this would bring the desired improvement in the Public Transport System in Delhi.

Ms Dikshit said her Government has always strived to provide relief to the poor in the Capital city. It has now decided to provide substantial relief to 47 per cent households in Delhi by offering electricity at cheaper rate.

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