1,000 new cluster buses likely to hit Delhi roads soon

New Delhi, Sep 13: Faced with "huge shortage" of buses in the city, Transport Minister Gopal Rai has asked the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) to add 1,000 new orange buses, including 300 AC buses, to its fleet within the next six months after getting land for depots.

Delhiites have been facing difficulties in commuting due to shortage of buses in the national capital. As per the court's order, both DTC and DIMTS, have to run 5,500 buses each in the national capital.

"We have identified land, which will soon be given to DIMTS, for building new bus depots so that new buses could come on the roads. We have asked the agency to operate 1,000 new buses (orange), including 300 AC buses, once it is provided land for the depots," Rai told PTI.

The minister said government has identified land in Rani Khera, Ghuman Hera, Dichaon Kalan, Dwarka and Kham pur to construct bus depots.

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) currently operates around 4555 buses, while DIMTS has only 1,500 buses - 4,000 less than required number of 5,500 buses.

According to the government, there are several concessionaires who want to run buses under cluster scheme, but due to land crunch, the plan of adding more buses was getting delayed.

"Government hopes that new buses will help us tackle shortage of buses after giving land to DIMTS and people won't have to face problems," Rai said.

The Transport Minister also directed the officials to arrange counseling sessions for the drivers of cluster buses, aiming at sensitizing them towards driving, traffic rules and behaviour towards passengers.

PTI