New Delhi, Former Delhi Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf, in a press meet at Rajiv Bhawan, raised serious concerns over the crumbling state of Delhi’s public transport, blaming both the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party governments for DTC’s continuing downfall. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the system, citing a massive debt of ₹65,000 crore and an urgent need for at least 14,000 new buses to meet the city’s demand.
Yusuf highlighted that the removal of over 2,400 buses from DTC’s fleet in the past 18 months, with 1,700 more to be phased out by March next year, has severely impacted connectivity. He criticized the BJP government’s deployment of just 400 electric buses as inadequate and untimely, especially when cluster buses were also cut by over 500.
Joined by Congress leaders Dr. Onika Mehrotra and Anuj Attrey, Yusuf presented figures showing a 45% dip in daily DTC ridership from 46.77 lakh in 2013 to just 22–25 lakh in 2023–24. Over 99% of the current buses are beyond their service life, worsening pollution and operating costs.
Citing a CAG report, Yusuf mentioned that DTC is running only 57% of its designated routes, and its losses are expected to cross ₹65,000 crore this year. He demanded that the BJP government write off DTC’s mounting loans, just as the Congress government had done multiple times in the past to stabilize finances.
Recalling past achievements, Yusuf said the Congress-led administration had converted the entire DTC fleet to CNG for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, introduced modern low-floor buses, and regularized 18,000 employees to enhance efficiency.
Dr. Onika Mehrotra criticized the BJP government for its apathy toward women’s safety on buses. She highlighted the lack of CCTV cameras, the push for Aadhaar-based ID checks, and the questionable Saheli Card proposal, alleging it aims to quietly end free bus rides for women. She advocated for the introduction of “Pink Buses” equipped with panic buttons, GPS, CCTV, and women staff to ensure safer travel, especially during rush hours.
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