CM Flags Off New DTC Bus Terminal and Buses in Narela
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the newly constructed DTC bus terminal in Sector A-9, Narela, on Friday. Along with the terminal, she also flagged off over 100 new Devi buses. The project, which cost around 2.63 crores, will support the operation of 75 buses on nine major routes, with most of them being electric.
Quick Construction and Future Plans
The terminal was completed in just 90 days. The Chief Minister highlighted that more than 2,000 electric buses are already in service across Delhi, and the government aims to transition the entire public transport system to electric by 2027. During the inauguration, she expressed her happiness about the new Devi buses that will be on the roads.
Commitment to Women Empowerment
CM Gupta stated that this initiative marks a new chapter in women empowerment in the country. She reiterated the government’s promise to modernize every bus depot and terminal in Delhi, emphasizing that this new terminal and the Devi buses are proof of that commitment.
Addressing Past Issues
The Chief Minister criticized previous governments for their mismanagement of the DTC, which is considered a lifeline for Delhi. According to reports, the DTC has faced losses exceeding Rs 65,000 crore. She pointed out that while past administrations focused on pricing, the current government prioritizes the quality of work.
Modern Facilities and Routes
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh mentioned that this terminal, built over an area of 4,000 sqm, is equipped with smart facilities, including provisions for charging, maintenance, and parking of electric buses. Key figures like MP Yogendra Chandolia and Chief Secretary Dharmendra were also present at the inauguration.
New Routes for Buses
The new buses from this terminal will mainly operate in Narela, connecting important locations such as Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar, and border areas. These buses are designed to improve traffic in northwest Delhi and feature low floors, AC, wheelchair accessibility, panic buttons, CCTV, and real-time tracking.
Colorful Buses for a Diverse City
In response to questions about the orange color scheme of the new Devi buses, the Chief Minister explained that Delhi is a vibrant city with residents from various states. She believes that incorporating different colors, like green and orange, reflects the city’s diversity and is a new experiment in bus design.