New Delhi’s public transport system is heading towards a severe crisis. After removing 793 buses in February-March, DTC has been gradually phasing out older buses, but new 12-meter buses have not arrived on time to replace them.
Between April and July, 111, 232, 96, and 985 buses respectively have been taken off the roads. In July, contracts for 533 buses under DIMTS ended, and 452 DTC buses were also withdrawn. In total, 1,680 buses are expected to be out of service by March 2026.
If the planned removal of 462 buses in September goes ahead, thousands of daily commuters dependent on these buses are likely to face increased difficulties. Although the government started running 9-meter electric buses from March, the 12-meter electric buses for main routes are yet to arrive.
Experts say the delay in procuring and deploying new buses has pushed the transport system into crisis. Further removals of 84, 15, and 99 buses are scheduled for October, November, and December respectively.
