Delhi government has announced an ambitious city-wide initiative to upgrade more than 2,800 bus queue shelters (BQS) into state-of-the-art transit spaces. Aimed at revamping the capital’s public transport infrastructure, the move underscores a commitment to enhance commuter experience, integrate global design standards, and make transit more inclusive and climate-resilient.
At a high-level review meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh directed department officials to fast-track the BQS transformation project. He emphasised that Delhi must reflect a global outlook in its public infrastructure and called for a complete overhaul of the city’s ageing bus shelters—many of which were described as outdated or neglected.
The Transport Department presented a series of proposed designs for the upgraded shelters, developed after a comprehensive study of best practices from Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, Singapore, London, and several cities across China. The final shelter design will be selected via an open architectural competition, and the process will cover design finalisation, construction, operation, and long-term maintenance.Once implemented, the modern shelters will feature stainless-steel structures, digital route displays, LED lighting, real-time arrival information, and accessible features for elderly and differently-abled commuters. These changes are part of a broader push to modernise surface transit, which remains the most accessible and widely used form of public transport in the city.
According to officials, Delhi has 4,627 officially notified BQS locations, with 2,021 currently operational. The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) has proposed constructing 1,397 new bus stops in the immediate phase, with another 1,459 identified for future development. These additions are part of a larger strategy to strengthen last-mile connectivity and rationalise the city’s bus routes.The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that the new shelters do not obstruct pedestrian footpaths—an issue commonly faced with older installations. By integrating modern shelter designs with smart urban planning, the government aims to promote walking, reduce roadside congestion, and ensure better land use within busy transit corridors.
Officials have initiated comparative cost analyses of similar BQS structures across Indian and international contexts. Recommendations have been made for sustainable construction materials, particularly stainless steel, to ensure durability, low maintenance, and better resistance to vandalism and weather conditions.In tandem, the city is also working on rationalising its bus routes for improved frequency, reduced redundancies, and enhanced coverage. This systemic redesign seeks to optimise the bus network’s efficiency and service quality, especially in peripheral and underserved areas.
While acknowledging past delays and deterioration under earlier administrations, Dr Singh reaffirmed that the current government is committed to transforming public mobility. He added that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the broader guidance of the Central government, the Transport Department has been empowered with both funding and autonomy to fast-track infrastructure reforms.
The redesign of bus queue shelters, while seemingly minor in the broader infrastructure landscape, holds significant value for daily commuters. In a city where over 40 per cent of residents rely on buses for daily travel, the shelter is often the first and last interface with public transport. Modernising this critical touchpoint is not only an investment in urban infrastructure but also a step towards making Delhi a more humane, inclusive, and climate-ready city.
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