The Delhi government is set to relaunch its inter-state bus service after more than two decades鈥攖his time with a modern, eco-friendly twist.
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will roll out a fleet of 100 electric buses connecting the national capital to 17 cities across six states, as per TOI.
Electric Buses Only, Says Minister
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh approved the proposal during a recent board meeting, with a clear direction鈥攐nly electric buses will be used. The move aims to promote green mobility while bringing back the once-popular inter-state service.
Destinations on the Route Map
These new DTC buses will travel to cities such as:
Uttarakhand: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and two others
Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya, Lucknow, Moradabad and two more
Rajasthan: Jaipur, Alwar, Bikaner
Punjab: Chandigarh, Amritsar, Patiala
Haryana: Panipat
Jammu & Kashmir: Jammu
Why the Service Was Stopped Earlier
Until 2004, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operated regular inter-state routes. However, when the buses switched from diesel to CNG, services started to decline. By 2010, the lack of CNG facilities in neighbouring states forced DTC to shut down the service completely.
Why It鈥檚 Coming Back
This time, the buses will be more modern and premium. A senior official explained that the 12-metre-long, air-conditioned electric buses will be specially bought for long-distance travel. They will feature comfortable seating, CCTV cameras, GPS, and panic buttons to ensure safety and convenience.
What Comes Next
Officials have started the procurement process and are working with state authorities to kick-start the service. Once the buses start arriving, the green signal will follow.
App-Based Ticketing and Affordable Fares
Passengers will be able to book their seats through an app, making the process easier. Although fares are yet to be finalised, officials said DTC buses usually cost less than private operators, even with the upgraded service.