DTC's new SOP ensures Faulty Buses removed in 15 minutes
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has issued a new SOP to remove faulty buses within 15 minutes. Cranes and quick response teams have been deployed at 30 locations. The buses purchased in 2010 have reached the end of the service life, so it is planned to remove them. The government is also considering making Delhi's bus depots commercial hubs.
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the removal of malfunctioning buses in the national capital, deploying cranes and quick response teams (QRTs) at 30 strategic locations throughout the city to oversee and manage the removal of faulty buses.
According to the new SOP, these buses will be removed within 15 minutes. A senior official mentioned that buses acquired in 2010 have reached the end of their operational lifespan, and their Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) have expired, prompting the government to plan their removal from the roads.
At least 100-123 buses break down daily, especially in areas like ISBT Kashmere Gate, Minto Bridge, Sarai Kale Khan, ITO, AIIMS flyover and Dhaula Kuan. Keeping this in mind, a new SOP has been issued, he said. As per the new SOPs issued, the constituted QRTs will have to respond within 5 minutes of receiving the breakdown alert. The buses will then be towed to the nearest depot within 15 minutes.
To address this, a 24-hour control room has been established. It will also oversee issues related to waterlogging. A total of 100 field operation teams have been deployed to ensure the trains run smoothly, and 70 mobile bike teams are tasked with resolving issues such as brake failures immediately. This decision aims to enhance the state's transportation infrastructure and services.
The primary aim is to eliminate buses that are no longer operational and have completed their service life. Additionally, the government intends to transform Delhi's bus depots into commercial centers, projected to yield Rs 2600 crore in revenue. On May 2, the Delhi government introduced mini electric buses, called DEVI, to enhance last-mile connectivity in the city. There are also plans to deploy more electric buses across the national capital.