Delhi govt plans to build two new ISBTs at Tikri Border, Narela

“A large number of buses coming from neighbouring states are BS IV or diesel-fuelled buses. Delhi is shifting towards electric vehicles and all the old buses are CNG buses but the neighbouring cities are yet to convert to CNG and electric… So, If a new ISBT is developed in the outer part of the city, these buses will not enter the city,” said an official.

Officials said the ISBT at Tikri Border will be developed on a land of 29,500 sq m. “The proposal was approved by the transport minister last month… The land is under PWD, so the transport department has written to the department seeking to acquire it,” said the official.

The Narela ISBT, meanwhile, will be developed on a land of 1 lakh sq m. “Here, we are facing a problem, as the land belongs to DDA (Delhi Development Authority) and 50% of it is encroached… The transport department has written to the DDA to remove the encroachment. The last letter in this regard was sent on August 31,” the official said, adding that once the land is cleared, further processes will be started.

The buses enroute to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab will be diverted to these depots once they are ready, officials said.

Currently, these buses are running from Kashmere ISBT – one of the largest bus terminals in Delhi, spread across around 13 acres of land. Buses to Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand, as well as several buses having All India Tourist Permit run from this ISBT.

Officials said that more than 2,500 inter-state buses, including private buses, are operated from the ISBT and it sees a footfall of around 1.5 lakh daily. While around 450 to 500 buses to Himachal, Haryana and Punjab are run from the ISBT, once the new terminals are developed, it will come as a major relief to commuters travelling on Ring Road towards Tees Hazari, ITO, Civil lines and other parts of central Delhi.

Besides Kashmere Gate, there are two other ISBTs at Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar.