Delhiites are now going to get more convenient transport means from their colonies and mohallas to reach the main roads and metro stations. The Bharatiya Janata Party -led Delhi government is going to start a new bus service soon. According to the officials of the Transport Department, ‘Mohalla Electric Bus Service’ will be launched under the banner of Delhi Electrical Vehicle Interchange (Devi) from 22 April. The objective of this scheme is to provide accessible and environmentally friendly transport facilities on small routes.
Initially 255 electric buses will be deployed
Under this new initiative, a total of 255 electric buses will be installed in the service of Delhiites in the beginning. These buses will be run especially in areas where large buses operating are not possible. These buses will be used to connect internal colonies and small roads with main routes and metro stations.
According to Transport Department officials, most bus routes have been fixed. In view of the demand and number of passengers in future, buses will be added on more routes. The scheme aims to promote ‘Door-to-Metro’ connectivity and strengthen the last mile of people.
Where will the buses operate?
In the initial phase, these Mohalla buses will be operated from Ghazipur, Nangloi and East Vinod Nagar depots. Arrangements are being made to stand about 100 buses at each depot. These buses will serve as feeder service for major routes of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and nearest metro stations. Each bus will decide at least 12 km route, so that the journey between the colonies and the main roads can be smooth.
Special facility for women
Keeping in mind the convenience and safety of women, the Delhi government has reserved 6 seats in these buses for women. Each bus will have a total of 23 seats, out of which 6 will be reserved for women, while 13 passengers will also be arranged. That is, in total, the convenience of about 36 passengers has been taken care of in every bus.
Another big relief for women is that women passengers will get absolutely free in these buses. They will be able to travel without any fee through pink tickets, as is currently applicable in other bus services of the Delhi government.
Technical features and capacity
‘Devi’ Mohalla buses will be equipped with modern technology. These buses have six battery packs of 196 kW capacity. Once fully charged, these buses can travel up to about 200 kilometers. It will take only 45 minutes for charging, so that these buses can be applied to the service again. This effort to increase environmental awareness will also help in reducing pollution in Delhi.
The fare will be extremely economical
The fare of the journey under ‘Devi’ bus service has been kept very economical so that people of every class can take advantage of it. The proposed rent slab will be Rs 10, Rs 15, Rs 20 and maximum of Rs 25. The fare will be covered according to the distance of the journey. Providing a clean, environmentally friendly and comfortable bus service to common passengers at affordable rates is the main goal of this scheme.
future plan
Transport Department officials say that in view of the demand for Mohalla bus service, more buses can also be added to service. As the response and needs of the passengers emerge, the expansion of the routes and the number of buses will be increased. This will help in strengthening Delhi’s transport network.
conclusion
The ‘Devi’ Mohalla electric bus service of the Delhi government is an innovative initiative, which can prove to be a big step towards solving the problem of environmental protection in the capital as well as the problem of final mile connectivity. Buses equipped with affordable fare, free travel facility for women and modern technology are going to bring a new and best travel experience for Delhiites.
