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When It Comes To Procuring Buses, Delhi Government Misses The Bus
Swarajya Staff
May 10, 2018, 05:41 PM | Updated 05:41 PM IST
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The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi’s (GNCTD) proposal to induct 2,000 buses – 1,000 electric and 1,000 powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) – seems to have hit a roadblock with both missing their deadline to receive cabinet approval, reports The Hindu. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had set 30 April as the deadline to obtain approval from the cabinet that met yesterday (9 May).
As per the Delhi budget 2018-2019 that was presented by Sisodia, both sets of buses were to be procured under the cluster scheme. The cluster bus scheme was made operational by former chief minister Sheila Dixit in 2011 wherein private firms would operate clusters of buses in the city. The scheme was brought in after the earlier Blueline bus fleet – notorious for the number of road accidents – was phased out.
Both proposals were reportedly ready on time but did not make it to the agenda of the cabinet meeting. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot however said that the project was “on track”.
As far as the electric buses are concerned, it is the first proposal of its kind to be prepared by any government in Delhi. Given its significance, several departments need to be on the same page, which is taking some time to accomplish. We are confident that the Cabinet’s approval will be secured within a week to 10 days.Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot
The proposal for electric buses were circulated among various departments including the environment, law and justice, and finance ministries of the Union Territory. Some feedback from six different departments too were being addressed.
Also Read:
How Indian Cities Can Shift From Diesel To Electric Buses
India Needs An Electric-Vehicle Policy; Here’s How It Can Go About It
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