The Arvind Kejriwal government plans to start 100 mohalla (neighbourhood) buses. (file)
New Delhi:
Experts from South Korea, Colombia and the US will help the Delhi government firm up its plan to start a mohalla bus service announced in the budget for 2023-24.
There will be a consultation on the proposed bus service by experts from these countries on April 17 under the chairmanship of Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot.
Kailash Gehlot said, “A lot of consultation has already taken place with Indian stakeholders. Now we want to bring feedback from international experts who have played a key role in making feeder bus operations successful in their cities or countries.”
The Arvind Kejriwal government is soon planning to start 100 mohalla (neighbourhood) buses in Delhi, according to a government statement. These buses will be driven by narrow and congested roads and well-connected to residential as well as commercial hubs, thereby ensuring last-mile connectivity.
There are plans to eventually increase the number of mohalla buses to 2,180 by 2025.
The International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT) will hold international expert consultations. Four-five global experts will participate in the virtual consultation.
Mohalla buses will be specially designed for areas where the road width is less or areas that are too congested to ply regular 12-metre buses. The move is expected to provide better connectivity to these areas and improve transport access for the people.
The mohalla bus service was announced in the budget presented by Finance Minister Kailash Gehlot, who also holds the transport portfolio.
The plan aims to deploy nine meter long electric buses. This initiative is a step forward towards a more sustainable and accessible transport system in the city.
ICCT Managing Director (India) Amit Bhatt said, “The announcement of the Mohalla Bus Scheme in this year’s Delhi budget has the potential to be a game-changer not only for Delhi but for the entire country.” ,
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