‘Electric’ restart for U-Special buses, off roads since 2020

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday relaunched the ‘University Special’ bus service in a bid to make college students’ commutes “hassle-free”. Operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the service, which began in 1971 and remained popular till the late 1990s, was suspended in March 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ms. Gupta flagged off the buses at the Delhi University Sports Complex. She rode the bus to her alma mater, Daulat Ram College, accompanied by college students playing the guitar and percussion instruments.

The 25 U-Special electric buses launched will be operational on as many routes, connecting Delhi University’s North and South Campuses, 67 colleges, surrounding localities, metro stations, and other key areas across the city.

In a statement, the DTC announced that women will be able to travel for free on these buses, and men will be able to use their student bus passes issued by the DTC to access the service.

‘Lifeline for students’

“The new electric buses will not only reduce pollution but also serve as a lifeline for students. These buses are equipped with modern facilities such as air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, music systems, and panic buttons to ensure a secure and comfortable journey,” Ms. Gupta said, adding that the initiative will promote clean, safe and student-friendly public transport. 

She said that the government is also working on providing metro passes at a concessional rate for students so that both education and travel become seamless.

‘U-turn governments’

Meanwhile, taking a dig at the previous governments by calling them “U-turn” governments, the Chief Minister stated that the city’s growth was hampered in the past due to “inconsistent policies”. “By contrast, the current administration is a forward-gear government, committed to steady progress, a cleaner environment, and an improved quality of life for Delhi residents,” she said.

Sharing a video on her X, in which she can be seen singing patriotic songs with students, she wrote in a post: “College, dosti aur guitar… laut aayi hai U-Special (College, friendship, and guitar… U-Special has returned).” 

Visiting her old college, Ms. Gupta said, “Daulat Ram is much more than just walls and classrooms for me. It is a feeling that shaped my thinking, gave direction to my dreams, and provided my life with a purpose.”

She added that it was at Daulat Ram that she learned to take flight and found the self-confidence that inspired her to become the DUSU President and dedicate herself to public service.