- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:33 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Amid a severe public bus shortage plaguing Delhi's commuters, the city government on Tuesday launched a new inter-state air-conditioned (AC) bus service. This move signals a step towards reviving routes to neighboring states that had been discontinued.
City Grapples With Dwindling Fleet
Delhi residents are currently struggling with a significant lack of buses. Over the past year, the combined fleet has shrunk from over 7,300 to approximately 5,600 buses. While more than 2,000 old buses were retired from service, only 1,000 new buses—over 600 of which are smaller models—have been introduced.
This shortage is acutely felt by passengers on busy routes, leading to frustration for both commuters and bus crews. The problem is compounded by the popularity of buses, which are a vital mode of transport for the lower and middle classes due to their low fares and the free travel scheme for women. Residents report that services on key routes, such as 378 and 359 from Mayur Vihar Phase III to Central Delhi, have become almost negligible.
The current BJP government holds the previous AAP administration responsible for the situation, stating they failed to act despite knowing that thousands of buses were due for retirement. In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged to double the DTC fleet from 3,000 to 6,000 buses within the next year.
New Delhi-Baraut Service Inaugurated
In a step to address the gap and expand services, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Singh inaugurated the new AC bus service from Kashmere Gate ISBT to the Baraut bus depot in Uttar Pradesh.
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Three new orange-colored AC buses will operate on the roughly 60-kilometer route. The minimum fare is set at Rs 32, with a maximum of Rs 125. The Chief Minister stated that this new inter-state service will greatly benefit passengers and students. The bus will reach Baraut via key stops including Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Loni, Khekra, and Baghpat.
This launch marks a significant revival of DTC's long-distance inter-state services, which were gradually halted due to fleet shortages and, until now, only extended as far as Noida. The government is also preparing to launch services to several other cities in the near future.