In another boost to the public transport in the national capital and to improve interstate travel, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off the fully electric Delhi–Baraut Inter-State AC Bus Service from the Maharana Pratap Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and also launched the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS).
Notably, it is after 18 years that Delhi will be running its own interstate buses.
The Chief Minister said that the Delhi–Baraut service is only the first step, and from now on, new interstate routes will be introduced every month, especially for the religious places.
In continuation, the occasion also marked the signing of an MoU between Canara Bank and DTC for rolling out AFCS across the bus network.
Speaking on the occasion, CM recalled that Delhi had not run its own interstate buses for nearly 18 years, while buses from other states operated.
She said, “When private buses could run, why not the Delhi Government? Our citizens deserve these facilities,” she added.
The CM also distributed Point Of Sale (POS) machines among the conductors of the interstate buses.
Addressing past failures and outlining a revenue-positive future, CM Gupta questioned the closure of the interstate service by previous governments, asking, “Why was such a revenue-generating sector for DTC shut down?”
She further stated that the new systems are designed to eliminate inefficiencies and corruption.
“This new machinery will bring transparency. The number of tickets sold will match the number of passengers. The entire revenue will go directly to DTC’s account—into no one’s pocket,” the CM stated.
She added that when the government’s revenue increases, only then can it solve people’s issues in a better way.
“Our goal is to make DTC revenue surplus by cutting these losses, which will benefit every citizen,” Gupta added.
On infrastructure, CM Gupta affirmed the government’s vision to revitalise DTC, transform all bus depots into charging stations, and redevelop ISBTs into grand transit hubs, a process that has already started, she said.
The AFCS, developed in partnership with Canara Bank, replaces outdated manual ticketing with modern POS/ ETM machines supporting cash, UPI, debit/ credit cards, static Universal QR codes, and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC).
The CM also addressed efforts to reduce pollution and ease life for commercial vehicle operators.
She said, “Previously, commercial vehicles had to go to neighbouring states for pollution checks. Our government has established Delhi’s first major automated pollution checking station in Nand Nagri, so our drivers no longer need to go through this hassle.”
On the occasion, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, “Today marks a historic moment as we restart the interstate bus service, which had been stalled for years. This initiative, taken under the decisive leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister, is a major gift to the people of Delhi and the region.”