According to a statement from the CM's Office, the proposal involves operating electric or other non-polluting buses with the aim of reducing the number of private vehicles on roads and strengthening public transport options.
As part of the broader push to reduce the vehicular pollution in the Capital, the Delhi government is planning to hold discussions with app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber to explore the possibility of introducing pooled and shared electric or non-polluting buses in Delhi-NCR, officials said on Monday.
According to a statement from the CM's Office, the proposal involves operating electric or other non-polluting buses with the aim of reducing the number of private vehicles on roads and strengthening public transport options. The move was discussed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday to assess ongoing pollution control measures.
At the meeting, the CM also directed officials that challans issued to polluting vehicles would not be waived under any circumstances. Vehicles found operating without valid PUC certificates attract a penalty of Rs 10,000 under existing rules. Gupta directed departments to explore legal options, including approaching courts, to ensure that such penalties are upheld.
The government also announced that new guidelines for e-rickshaws will be issued soon to address traffic congestion linked to their unregulated movement. Officials said the guidelines will define operational areas and routes for e-rickshaws to improve traffic flow and reduce delays that contribute to higher fuel consumption and emissions.
In addition, the government has decided to rationalise Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus routes to improve coverage and efficiency. The Chief Minister said that DTC services must reach every area and neighbourhood of the city.
Scientific and rational route planning will improve last-mile connectivity and encourage citizens to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles.
Senior officials from the Environment and Transport Departments, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Public Works Department (PWD) and Delhi Traffic Police, along with Environment Minister Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa, were present at the meeting.