The Delhi Government in its annual Budget 2018-19 has allocated Rs 5,145 crore which is 10 per cent of the total Budget for the transport sector. The work to induct 1,000 standard size buses in DTC fleet will be started during 2018-19, informed Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
He said that an outlay of Rs 150 crore in 2018-19 in addition to already released fund of Rs 199.55 crore in 2012-13 for purchase of buses by DTC. In continuation, about 1000 new cluster buses will also be added under cluster scheme in 2018-19. Government proposed an outlay of Rs 450 crore in 2018-19 for meeting the viability gap funding of cluster buses.
Minister while laying the budget on the floor of the house informed that a pilot project for implementation of Common Mobility Card in DTC and cluster buses has been launched from January 2018 in 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses and the same will be implemented in all buses from April 2018 whereby Delhi Metro Rail Card can be used for tendering fare in buses using ETMs. Automated fare collection system through on-board electronic ticketing in Cluster Buses has been fully introduced. DTC has also started implementing “Electronic Ticketing Machines Systems” in its buses.
He informed that Delhi government has taken various measures for safe public transport. Night bus service of DTC has been augmented by increasing from 38 buses on 8 routes and 85 buses on 24 routes. “Gender sensitization program for bus crew is being conducted on a regular basis by DTC for safety of women passengers. For safety and security of women passengers, 2370 civil defence marshals and 120 Hopme Guards are already deployed in DTC buses,” said Sisodia.
In budget document it is mentioned that government is planning to convert entire bus fleet of Delhi, both cluster and DTC buses to environment friendly fuel technology. In coming year government plans to roll out 1000 fully electric buses, claiming to be the largest fleet of electric buses in any city or state of India.
Further the Delhi government has proposed enhanced budget of Rs 2107 crore in revised estimates against Rs 1642 crore in Budget Estimates 2017-18. This additional budget is proposed to clear all past arrears of DTC employees due to implementation of 7th Pay Commission as well as for making payment of arrears on account of de-freezing of DA etc to DTC pensioners. Around 41,000 employees and pensioners from DTC will benefit from this decision.