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After waiting for almost eight months, 280 electric mohalla buses are finally ready to run on the streets of Delhi. These small 9-metre-long buses will soon start their service from various depots across the city. This development comes after a long delay due to missing certificates that confirm the buses are made using Indian products. Now that some manufacturers have submitted the required documents, these buses are ready to be deployed. The aim is to provide better transport options in areas with narrow lanes where big buses cannot reach.
What Are Mohalla Buses?
The mohalla bus service was first introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The idea behind these buses is to improve local travel, especially in crowded places where regular DTC and cluster buses cannot go. These small electric buses will help people in these areas get better last-mile connectivity. It means people can easily reach nearby metro stations or other public transport options from their homes.
The service will help many people living in densely populated areas where traveling by large buses is difficult. The mohalla buses are electric, which also helps in reducing pollution and makes the transport system more environment-friendly.
Why Was There a Delay?
The delay in launching the mohalla buses was mainly due to missing Indigenous Compliance Certificates. These certificates are needed to make sure that the buses are built using Indian or 'Make in India' products. A transport department official said that the government could not allow these buses to run until the manufacturers provided these certificates. Now, some of the certificates have been submitted, and the rest are promised to be given within the next six months.
Where Will the Buses Run?
The testing of the mohalla buses began in East Delhi. Some of the routes include:
- Pradhan Enclave to Majlis Park Metro Station
- Akshardham Metro Station to Mayur Vihar Phase III paper market
Earlier, two mohalla buses were also tested in South Delhi. These routes were:
- Kailash Colony Metro Station to PNB Geetanjali
- Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station to Vasant Vihar
These test runs helped the transport department understand the needs of the people and prepare for a full rollout.
Future Plans and Expansion
The Delhi government is working to improve public transport in the city. They have plans to add a total of 1,900 electric buses that are 12 metres long and 1,040 mini electric buses that are 9 metres long. Out of the mini buses, 280 are now ready to operate. Some of the larger buses are already running, and 400 more will be added soon.
The launch of 280 mohalla buses is a big step forward for Delhi's public transport system. These buses will help people in narrow and crowded areas travel more easily and comfortably. Though the project was delayed due to missing certificates, it is now moving in the right direction. This move will not only make travel easier but also support the use of clean, electric vehicles in the city.
