The Delhi government has announced plans to remove around 1,500 buses from the capital’s public transport system. This decision, effective from April 15, will affect both the cluster scheme buses operated under the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.
Approximately 1,000 cluster scheme buses, which serve key routes across the city, will be withdrawn as their contracts are set to expire. In addition, 500 DTC buses, which have exceeded their operational lifespan, will be phased out by December this year. The removal of such a large number of buses raises concerns about potential disruptions in public transport, particularly for the 40 lakh daily passengers who rely on these services.
While the withdrawal of the buses is expected to cause temporary inconvenience, officials have assured that measures are being taken to minimise the impact. The contracts for many of the cluster buses may be extended to ensure continued service, while plans are in place to introduce new buses into the system.
In an effort to maintain public transport efficiency, the Delhi government is set to introduce 1,000 new electric buses by early April. These electric buses are expected to be deployed on various routes to help manage traffic flow, reduce pollution, and support the city’s sustainability goals. The new addition aligns with Delhi’s broader push towards eco-friendly, zero-emission public transport systems.
Despite these efforts, the sudden removal of 1,500 buses could create challenges for commuters, particularly during peak hours when the demand for public transport is at its highest. The situation may also put additional pressure on the Delhi Metro, which is already a heavily used mode of transport in the city.
Officials from the DTC and DIMTS have emphasised the importance of upgrading the public transport fleet to ensure safety and operational efficiency. The old buses being phased out have surpassed their operational lifespan, posing safety risks and affecting service quality.
Moreover, the Delhi government has taken steps to enhance the efficiency of property tax collections, which will support the funding of new transport initiatives. However, the focus remains on maintaining seamless public transport for the city’s residents.
Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and remain updated on announcements regarding the new electric buses and any temporary changes in routes.
