Delhi Transport Department is set to decentralize services at the city’s Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion, minimizing travel time, and curbing vehicular pollution.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the plan will segregate buses based on the states they serve, with each ISBT dedicated to specific routes. This means travelers heading to Uttar Pradesh or Bihar will board buses exclusively from Anand Vihar ISBT, while those traveling to Punjab or Himachal Pradesh can catch their buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT. Delhi currently operates three major ISBTs—Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan—which serve as starting and ending points for inter-state buses to various regions. However, at present, there is no clear segregation, with buses originating from one terminal also operating from others, leading to traffic jams and passenger confusion. The new plan aims to alleviate these issues by assigning specific states to each terminal.
A senior Transport Department official explained, “Currently, buses from Anand Vihar also ply from Kashmere Gate, which contributes to heavy traffic. Under this new plan, each state’s buses will only operate from a dedicated ISBT, which will help reduce road congestion and make travel more convenient for passengers.” The officials envision this new system to mirror the Delhi Railway Stations, where arrivals and departures are systematically arranged. For example, a person traveling to Bihar will know they need to board their bus only at Anand Vihar, making the entire process more streamlined and reducing unnecessary travel to different terminals.
The proposed system for terminal allocation will be as follows:
- Kashmere Gate ISBT will serve buses traveling to Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Nepal, and other northern states.
- Anand Vihar ISBT will be designated for buses traveling to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and other eastern states.
- Sarai Kale Khan ISBT will handle buses traveling to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and other southern and western states.
The Transport Department is now seeking public feedback and stakeholder comments on the plan before implementation. The department hopes the restructuring will make travel more efficient, reduce traffic, and create a smoother commuting experience for Delhi’s residents and travelers from surrounding regions.
