Latest news with #ISBTs
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Working to improve public's experience of DTC buses: Delhi CM
Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced plans to upgrade the public bus services by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), wherein they will introduce smart travel cards, modernise interstate bus terminals (ISBTs), restructure the bus routes, and redesign bus queue shelters into more comfortable and high-tech setups. CM Rekha Gupta (Arvind Yadav/HT) Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led previous Delhi government, Gupta said DTC is currently at a loss of ₹60,000 crore due to mismanagement by the AAP. 'Our government envisions DTC as a symbol of excellent transport service in Delhi. We are determined to give Delhi citizens a sustainable, green, and smart public transport experience' she said at a review meeting of the transport department on Tuesday. Noting that several electric buses currently operate on outdated routes, the CM said that the government has collaborated with IIT Delhi to design a new, comprehensive route plan, which will cover small areas of Delhi, and connect commuters to the Delhi Metro services. The trial will first be implemented in Yamunapur, and later expanded in other parts of the city. As per plans by the government, a unified smart card system will be introduced across all modes of public transport in Delhi, such as DTC buses, the Delhi Metro, and on the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). A special pink card for women and transgender residents was also announced for free of cost travel in DTC buses. Further, the government aims to equip all bus queue shelters with digital boards for displays, LED lighting, weather-resistant designs, and solar power panels. These upgrades will be done following the Public-Private Partnership model (PPP), officials said. Other key revamps include upgrading the ISBTs to ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility to passengers, providing them with 'airport-like amenities,' said a government official, adding that the government will begin this work soon. Number of Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) buses larger buses will also be increased. Delhi's transport minister Pankaj Singh, chief secretary Dharmendra, and transport commissioner Niharik Rai were also present in the meeting. Transport minister Singh noted that the government is also working to ensure efficient charging facilities and maintenance infrastructure for electric buses.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
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.
India Today
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
DTC launches electric bus service from Delhi to 17 cities. Know more
Delhiites can now travel to nearby cities in a greener way, as the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has launched electric bus services connecting the national capital to 17 cities across seven states. These buses are part of the government's push for clean mobility and inter-state connectivity, and they're ready to roll electric inter-state bus routes cover destinations in Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh. These are cities that see high footfall from Delhi, especially for work, tourism, and family ARE THESE BUSES GOING?DTC has planned special bus services to key Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Ayodhya, Haridwar, and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The plan also includes Sikh religious destination Amritsar. Apart from religious sites, DTC will operate electric bus services to important regional cities as well. These include Dehradun and Haldwani in Uttarakhand; Lucknow, Agra, Bareilly, and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh; Jaipur, Bikaner, and Alwar in Rajasthan; and Patiala and Chandigarh in TRAVEL, CLEANER AIRThe fares for these electric buses are kept affordable, Rs 269 from Delhi to Agra and Rs 355 to Jaipur, for instance. Passengers can book their tickets both online and at ISBT service is operated under the 'gross cost model,' where the private operators are responsible for providing buses, drivers, and maintenance. The DTC, meanwhile, will take care of operational scheduling and fare STATIONS, READY AND RUNNINGadvertisementElectric buses come with their own requirements, and the Delhi government has already geared up. Dedicated electric bus charging stations have been installed at the Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in Sarai Kale Khan, Kashmere Gate, and Anand Vihar. These will support daily operations and help maintain schedule officials have also said that each bus will have real-time tracking, comfortable seating, and better air suspension, making journeys smoother than your usual diesel-powered DEAL WITH SERVICE EXPANSIONDelhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has recently proposed the purchase of 30 fully built, air-conditioned electric standard-floor buses, along with 10 chargers and a 10-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC). The deal is likely to be awarded to a private company. According to the Delhi government, the decision is part of the "Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra-2025" initiative. The goal is to modernise inter-state bus services while making them environmentally DTC had operated services to neighbouring states like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. Now, there is a renewed focus on restarting inter-state bus services from Delhi to 17 routes, including Rishikesh, Dehradun, Jaipur, Jammu, and Chandigarh. This plan aims to not only offer better travel facilities to passengers but also become a potential revenue stream for the Delhi government.- Ends
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: State disability commissioner directs UT to expedite work to improve bus stand accessibility
The Chandigarh State Commission for Persons with Disabilities has issued strict directions to the UT administration for the timely implementation of accessibility features at Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) at Sector 17 and 43. The directions were issued while hearing a matter filed by advocate Shiv C Bhola on Thursday. The next hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2025. (HT File) Having a benchmark disability, Bhola highlighted that on visiting the railway counter in ISBT-17, he found the railway counter on the second floor without ramp, tactile tiles, handrails at improper height and no accessible bathrooms as per standard norms. In his complaint filed under Section 80 of the Right of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, he highlighted that there are no accessibility measures opted in the bus stand i.e. no braille enabled sign board, no audio visual announcement system, no reserved parking space with standard parking logo and the staff at railway counter being insensitive and rude to disabled person. During the earlier hearing held on June 20, 2025, representatives from the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and engineering department appeared before the commission. CTU informed that the proposal for accessibility upgrades had been submitted to the engineering department on April 4, 2025. However, the architectural drawings necessary to implement the upgrades at ISBT-17 were still pending from the department of urban planning. Taking serious note of the delay, the commission directed the concerned officials to obtain and submit the drawings by July 10, 2025, ensuring no further deferment. Meanwhile, the engineering department confirmed that at ISBT-43, accessibility-related civil works such as laying of tactile tiles and construction of ramps have been completed. Photographic evidence and a written affidavit from the responsible SDO were submitted to the commission. The commission also directed that the remaining issues mentioned in the petition be addressed promptly upon receipt of required documents from the urban planning department. The next hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2025.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
ISBTs in Tricity lack basic amenities, especially for the disabled and women
Written By Aishani Chauhan & Divyanshi Thakur Tricity's Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), used by thousands of passengers every day, lack basic amenities, especially for the differently-abled and women commuters. At ISBTs in Sector 17 and 43, toilets for differently-abled persons were either locked or non-functional, forcing users to rely on general-use facilities. A recent survey conducted at ISBTs found a toilet for differently-abled persons at the Panchkula Sector 5 bus stand to be functional. The condition of the multi-crore Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ISBT in Phase 6, Mohali, shows yet another example of underutilised public infrastructure. Although signages indicate facilities for differently-abled individuals, there were no functional wheelchairs or accessible toilets available. Basic amenities like clean washrooms for men and women and cold drinking water were present, but essential infrastructure such as air-conditioned waiting rooms was non-functional. Amidst the ongoing heatwave, commuters were seen sitting outside the building, relying on a single pedestal fan for relief. Security supervisor Hardeep Singh at the ISBT, Mohali, said, 'Due to an ongoing legal case, it will take another 2 to 3 years for the bus stand to become fully operational. There's no electricity in the building, and it's running on a generator. Substantial improvements, including functional waiting rooms and additional facilities, will only be possible once the bus stand is officially up and running.' Additionally, no ramps are available at any of the ISBTs for wheelchair users to independently access buses. They have to be assisted physically for boarding a bus. 'There's no ramp, so we help them,' said a conductor at the ISBT, Sector 17, exposing the lack of necessary provisions even at the best-performing terminal. At the AC waiting room of ISBT, Sector 43, Chandigarh, an AC is completely broken, while another has a functional display panel but doesn't cool, making the space suffocating for passengers. 'The waiting room is worse than sitting outside,' said a passenger waiting for a bus to Ambala. The situation at the Panchkula bus stand in Sector 5, managed by the Haryana Roadways under the Haryana State Transport Department, was worse. Public toilets are in a deplorable condition, with a stench coming up to the waiting area. A tea stall vendor at the bus stand said, 'The ladies' toilet is cleaned only once or twice a week; mostly on Saturdays or Sundays.' Unlike Sectors 17 and 43, where cleaning staff were seen working at regular intervals, Panchkula lacked even the basic upkeep. Of the three wheelchairs available here, two are defunct. Also, the bus stand lacks ramps to assist those with mobility issues. Passengers also complained of excessive heat, as the station does not have an air-conditioned waiting area. Wall-mounted fans give little relief in the sweltering weather. When contacted, Haryana Roadways General Manager Sukhdev Singh acknowledged the infrastructure shortcomings. 'We are currently developing an electric bus depot. Further amenities like air-conditioned waiting rooms will be added soon,' he said. Asked about the lack of sanitation and poor maintenance of toilets, he suggested it could be due to staff being on leave. 'We clean regularly, but I will look into the matter. I will speak to the officer or deputy in charge,' he said when informed about local vendors and commuters' complaints. (The authors are interns at The Indian Express)
