Delhi’s Bus Terminals to be Transformed into World-Class Passenger Centres

In an effort to revitalise the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the Delhi government revealed 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 hubs.

During a high-level meeting attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, and other senior officials from the transport department, a series of initiatives were agreed upon. These include an increase in the number of public buses, upgrades to bus shelters, the introduction of unified travel cards, and the modernisation of ISBTs. This initiative is part of the realisation that the DTC, which is currently operating at a loss, requires significant restructuring.

Additionally, the Delhi government has partnered with IIT Delhi to optimise routes for both 9-metre and 12-metre Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) buses, alongside expanding fleet sizes. "The numbers of both small and large DEVi buses are set to increase, with new routes being carefully planned to improve accessibility for commuters. Our aim is to establish DTC as a symbol of excellent transportation services in Delhi,” she stated.

Gupta mentioned that the plan aims to enhance bus connectivity in underserved areas and facilitate better integration with metro services. A pilot scheme will be launched in Yamuna Vihar, with the model then rolled out across the city.

The Delhi government also plans to introduce unified smart travel cards that will enable seamless travel across DTC buses, the Delhi Metro, and the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), she added.

Furthermore, a special Pink Card for women and transgender commuters will be introduced, offering free travel on DTC buses. The Chief Minister also announced the modernisation of Bus Queue Shelters (BQS) throughout the city, which will be fitted with real-time arrival displays, LED lighting, digital boards, solar power, and weather-resistant features.