Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Delhi govt on Wednesday decided to introduce UPI- and card-based automated fare collection systems in DTC buses. “The pilot project was already rolled out at Rajghat, Hasanpur and Kalkaji depots in partnership with Canara Bank.The initiative will be executed at zero financial liability to DTC for five years and will help reduce operational costs through lower ticket printing expenses,” said transport minister Pankaj Singh.Several other measures to strengthen the infrastructure and boost the revenue ofDelhi Transport Corporationwere also discussed during a board meeting on Wednesday. The decisions included the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network, seven new training courses for drivers, conductors and the public, and revamped pollution check infrastructure. Singh said, “To develop DTC depots with modern infrastructure and optimised land use, Govt of India has shown interest in redeveloping the Banda Bahadur Marg and Sukhdev Vihar depots with multilevel parking.” The initiative is proposed as a self-sustainable project, with no financial support from DTC. This will ensure efficient utilisation of prime land assets and improved facilities for commuters, and contribute to the city’s infrastructure development without burdening public resources, Singh said.To accelerate the transition to clean energy, govt will strengthen the EV charging infrastructure across key DTC depots, including providing Rs 5 crore for a charging station at Rajghat depot. Special hire rates will be introduced for e-buses, which will be made available to Delhi Police, govt and private agencies as well as for film shootings. A vehicle fitness centre and pollution check infrastructure, with an annual target of 72,000 vehicle inspections, will be set up to improve air quality and ensure compliance with pollution norms.
Mayank Rawat
