City’s ISBTs will be revamped into world-class passenger terminals: CM

In a bid to transform the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the Delhi government announced on Tuesday that the city’s three Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) – Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar – will be redeveloped into world-class passenger terminals.

In a high-level meeting held by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, along with other top officials from the transport department, a slew of developments, including the introduction of a larger number of public buses, the upgradation of bus shelters, the issuance of unified travel cards, and the revamp of ISBTs, were finalised.

This announcement comes after the State government noted that the severely loss-making DTC requires an overhaul.

Following this, the Delhi government collaborated with IIT Delhi to rationalise routes for both the 9-metre and 12-metre Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) buses, alongside increasing the number of both fleets of buses. “Both small and large [DEVi] buses’ numbers are being increased, and the new routes are being strategically planned to enhance accessibility for commuters. Our government envisions DTC as a symbol of excellent transport service in Delhi,” she said.

Stating that this plan is intended to improve bus connectivity in underserved localities and ensure better integration with metro services, Ms. Gupta said that a pilot project will be initiated in Yamuna Vihar, following which the model will be implemented across the city.

The Delhi government has also decided to introduce unified smart travel cards for all modes of public transport in Delhi. “This card will enable seamless travel across DTC buses, Delhi Metro, and the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS),” said Ms. Gupta.

She also announced that a special Pink Card for women and transgender commuters will be introduced, which will allow them free travel in DTC buses.

Meanwhile, the CM also announced the modernisation of Bus Queue Shelters (BQS) across the capital. “All BQS will be upgraded with real-time arrival displays, LED lighting, digital boards, solar power support, and weather-resistant designs,” she said.