DTC launches two new bus routes: 192A, 212A

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will start two new bus routes, 192A and 212A, by adjusting existing services. The move is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and making it easier for passengers to reach Metro stations. The new routes are expected to help daily commuters in North, Central and East Delhi, without adding extra cost for DTC.

The new routes, announced by Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, are designed to improve access to at least 13 key Metro stations. These metro stations include Anand Vihar, Kashmere Gate, Azadpur, Majlis Park, Shahdara and various others. Officials said the changes will reduce travel time, offer more direct connections, and improve first- and last-mile access for students, office-goers and residents of several densely populated colonies. “The new routes will improve last-mile connectivity, strengthen Metro integration and reduce travel time for daily commuters, while optimising existing bus resources and sustaining DTC’s financial performance,” Dr Singh said.

Under the plan, Route 212, which currently runs between Anand Vihar ISBT and Anand Parvat with 18 buses, will be split into two services. Nine buses will continue on Route 212, while the remaining nine will operate on the newly introduced Route 212A.

This change will expand Metro connectivity along the corridor from the existing three stations to eight.

With Route 212A, commuters will get direct bus access to major Metro stations such as Maujpur-Babarpur, Zafrabad, Welcome, Shahdara and Mansarovar Park, in addition to Anand Vihar and Dilshad Garden. Transport officials said this will significantly improve East Delhi’s integration with the wider Metro network.

A similar rationalisation has been proposed for Route 192, which currently operates between Kashmere Gate and Keshav Nagar with eight buses. Under the new plan, four buses will continue on Route 192, while four will be shifted to the new Route 192A.

The new alignment of Route 192A will connect several high-footfall Metro stations, including Model Town, Azadpur and Majlis Park. It will also strengthen interchange options at key hubs such as Kashmere Gate, Civil Lines, Vidhan Sabha, Vishwavidyalaya and GTB Nagar.

Officials said the move will particularly benefit residents of Burari, Kaushik Enclave, Keshav Nagar, Model Town and adjoining inner Delhi colonies, where demand for reliable bus-to-Metro connectivity remains high.

According to DTC, the rationalisation exercise is part of a broader effort to optimise the existing fleet, expand coverage and maintain revenue performance. Since no additional buses are being added, the changes are expected to be operationally efficient and financially sustainable.

Transport department officials said the new routes will help reduce dependence on private vehicles by offering faster journeys and fewer interchanges. This, in turn, is expected to ease traffic congestion and lower vehicular emissions in several busy corridors.

The government also sees the move as a step towards promoting public transport usage and supporting Delhi’s clean air goals. “Seamless integration between buses and Metro is essential if more people are to shift away from private vehicles,” an official said.

Once operational, Routes 192A and 212A are expected to improve daily travel for thousands of commuters, especially those who currently rely on multiple modes to reach Metro stations. The proposal underlines DTC’s push towards a passenger-centric approach, with a focus on affordability, reliability and environmental responsibility.