DTC to take suggestions from bus drivers for route rationalisation plan
New Delhi (PTI): To strengthen its route rationalisation programme, Delhi transport minister Pankaj Singh on Wednesday directed officials to take suggestions from DTC bus drivers.
Singh held a review meeting of the study by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), along with IIT Delhi, on its route rationalisation plan with transport department officials.
"The route rationalisation exercise must reflect the on-ground realities of Delhi's public transport system. By incorporating inputs from experienced DTC drivers, conductors, and depot managers, we can significantly enhance last-mile connectivity and improve the overall passenger experience," Singh said.
The transport minister emphasised the importance of inclusive and data-driven planning, as well as leveraging the experience of DTC personnel in the ongoing exercise for 9-meter DEVI electric buses.
Currently, a comprehensive study is being undertaken by IIT Delhi, ensuring a robust, data-driven, and optimised redesign of Delhi's bus network to improve accessibility and service quality.
"The route rationalisation covers 121 routes in the East Zone, 181 routes in the West Zone, and 194 routes in the North Zone, as well as ongoing exercise of the South Zone," an official said.
The transport minister also informed that DTC's interstate electric bus services have received an encouraging response from commuters.
"The positive response to interstate electric buses reinforces our commitment to expanding clean and sustainable mobility solutions beyond Delhi. We are now planning to extend services to additional routes such as Delhi-Rewari, Delhi-Karnal, Delhi-Alwar, and Delhi-Jewar," he added.
Currently, inter-state services are operational on routes including Delhi-Baraut (Uttar Pradesh), Delhi-Sonipat, Delhi-Dharuhera, Delhi-Panipat (Haryana), and Nanaksar-Ghaziabad Bus Terminal in Uttar Pradesh.
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Railways to add extra sleeper coach on Kolkata-Jammu Express for Vaishno Devi pilgrims
Jammu (PTI): Amid the summer vacation rush and a surge of pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has decided to attach an additional sleeper coach to the Kolkata–Jammu Tawi–Kolkata Express, an official said on Wednesday.
The arrangement will stay in place from April 25 to July 2.
The additional sleeper coach is expected to improve confirmation chances for waitlisted passengers and ease overcrowding, enhancing safety and comfort on board, the official said.
He said with peak summer travel driving a surge in pilgrim traffic to Jammu, the addition will help prevent last-minute cancellations and enable around 72-80 waitlisted passengers to secure confirmed berths daily.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the waiting list is being closely monitored, and all necessary measures will be taken as required.
He said the passengers can check the latest status of their berth reservations via the official railway website or by calling the helpline number 139.
