Soaring temperatures in the national Capital have mounted the hassles for the DTC bus passengers. There has been a spurt in the breakdown rate of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, including the low-floor buses. Around 500 buses, including 150 low-floor buses are breaking down daily. This, not just inconveniences passengers, but also leads to shortage of buses plying on the roads.
The frequent breakdown of low-floor buses has raised a question on the maintenance of these buses. Despite the maintenance contract, the manufacturers have failed to keep the buses in plying conditions. The pathetic state of the air-conditioned buses is evident when the fully packed AC buses are unable to carry the load and climb the flyovers.
"On an average, 500 buses break down daily, midway on their routes, leaving the passengers stranded in the blazing sun," said an official. The maintenance contract with the private bus manufacturers has failed to keep the low-floor buses in running condition.
Transport Minister, Ramakant Goswami expressed concerns over the rising breakdown rate of the DTC buses.He said that to deal with the frequent breakdown rate, 14 mobile teams have been formed, which will cater to the affected bus promptly."Apart from this, we are penalising the manufacturers, if the buses are unable to complete 90 per cent of their routes," said Goswami.