Delhi government to run 6,000 extra buses from January 1

New Delhi: In the wake of odd-even car number scheme to contain pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government is all set to press 6,000 buses to strengthen the public transport from January 1 onwards.

Addressing a press conference Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai, said, "Questions were raised that the transport system in Delhi is not strong enough to ferry lakhs of passengers every day. Considering many issues, we are going to introduce 4,000 contract buses and 2,000 CNG school buses, which will run as public transport in Delhi."

"The initiative has been taken to ease out public transport system so that people can travel hassle free from one place another. These extra buses will be paid in the cluster bus model system and 50 per cent of seats will be reserved for women in all CNG school buses. We want to appeal to people those who have illegitimate pollution under control (PUC) certificates, to get legit ones," he said.

It was learnt that all the bus lanes in Delhi will be properly marked and before the implementation of the decision, potholes and other repairs will be done on roads. Also, the government is considering heavy penalty against errant drivers for obstructing buses in bus lanes.

On the context of auto rickshaws, Rai said, "There are plans to double the numbers of auto rickshaws and one auto rickshaw can be run by two drivers in two shifts. We are also planning to launch the Poochho app. People can book an auto with this App and it will be available for download on December 25."

Concerned over various complaints over the frequency and services of Circular Suburban Rail, Rai said, "We are having talks with the railways to increase the train frequency."

Not the least, those who will be caught burning trashes and leaves in open will have to cough up Rs 5,000 as fine. "Citizens can lodge complain through Swacch Delhi App," Health Minister Satyendra Jain said.

Jain was designated as a nodal minister to fight pollution in the national capital by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.