CM launches DTC interstate AC e-bus service between Delhi and Baraut in UP

Alleging that DTC was facing a revenue loss under the previous government, Gupta questioned the closure of the inter-state bus service.

“When I became the chief minister, I would always wonder why Uttarakhand buses are plying here, and buses from Uttar Pradesh are also seen. But where are the buses from Delhi that are plying in other states? The previous government had stopped them. They did not do anything to ensure that revenue is generated,” she alleged.

“When private buses could run, why not those of the Delhi Government? Our people deserve these facilities,” she added.

The chief minister also said that under the previous government, if a bus broke down in Mehrauli, the workers to repair it would arrive from Narela, leading to unnecessary delays. “We have put in place a system where the vehicles would arrive from the nearest depot. This will save time, money and also lead to less traffic congestion,” she added.

At the event, Gupta launched the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) and the ‘Chalo App’ on the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) platform. With DTC signing a memorandum of understanding with Canara Bank to roll out AFCS across the bus network, Gupta said the manual ticketing system will be phased out.

“This new machinery will bring in transparency. The number of tickets sold will match the number of passengers. The entire revenue will go directly to DTC’s account… When the government’s revenue increases, only then can we solve people’s problems. Our goal is to make DTC revenue surplus by cutting losses,” she added.

The AFCS replaces outdated manual ticketing with modern PoS/ETM machines supporting payments by cash, UPI, debit/credit cards, static Universal QR codes, and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC). Further, if anyone books tickets through the ‘Chalo’ app, one would get a discount of 10%.

Gupta equated government officials with Lord Hanuman. “Our government officials are like Lord Hanuman. You set their tails afire, and they will work really hard. Since the time our government has come to power, officials are getting an ideal atmosphere of working and are coming up with ideas.”

Highlighting critical operational reforms, Gupta announced a complete route rationalisation to ensure bus connectivity reaches every corner of Delhi.