Odd-even scheme: Delhi government announces free bus service, DTC has 1 bus for 45000 people

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has announced free travel for commuters in all state transport corporation run busses and cluster buses between November 13 and 17, as odd-even scheme is imposed.

The Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot on Friday tweeted “To encourage use of public transport during Odd- Even, Delhi govt to allow free travel for commuters in all DTC and Cluster buses from 13-17 November.”

The government earlier to ensure smooth transportation had directed the Delhi Transport Corporation to hire at least 500 buses in the city.

However, experts claim that with more than 15 lakh private cars going off road, the DTC facing shortage of busses will see massive rush with the announcement of free travel.

In 2007 the Delhi Court had said that 11,000 busses are required to cover 865 routes of the city. A decade has passed by and still the DTC is short with at least with 50% busses than the required number. In recent review by Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has only 4,180 buses.

To encourage use of public transport during Odd- Even, Delhi govt to allow free travel for commuters in all DTC and Cluster buses from 13-17 November.

— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) November 10, 2017

Also read| Air pollution can cause weaker bones, increase risk of fractures: Study

According to 2011 Census records, Delhi population is 16.70 million. It is estimated that the population of the city is around 18 million in 2017.