New Delhi: The change is here. From Diesel to CNG and now from CNG to electric, three-generational changes in past 20 years. Feeder electric buses are being introduced for the first time in Delhi on a trial basis by Delhi Metro from August 12 under which 25 low floor e-buses (24-seater) will be plying from two routes.
As per DMRC, only Metro passengers having a Delhi Metro Smart Card or Metro DTC Smart Card will be allowed to avail the services on these e-buses. They can use their Smart Card to pay for the cashless travel since these buses are fully contactless and conductor less enabling entry and exit through turnstiles from the Bus by using the Metro Smart Card. The Metro smart card is already in use in DTC buses for performing travel. No cash payment will be permitted. Services shall be available for Metro commuters only.
Further, for buses starting from Metro stations, the entry of the passengers will be permitted only from the metro stations and the bus will stop only at the designated stops for dropping the passengers. No entry of passengers will be permitted at other stoppages on the route. Similarly, for buses going to Metro stations entry shall be allowed from all stoppages enroute but exit shall be allowed only at Metro stations. This is to ensure that only genuine Metro passengers use this service. Passengers will be allowed to enter from the front gate and exit from the rear gate of the bus.
Initially, Delhi Metro will be running e-buses on two routes. First 'MC-721' Shastri Park Metro station to Gokulpuri Metro station via Khajuri Chowk and 2nd ML-05 from Shastri Park Metro station to Mother Dairy while the fare will Rs 10 for 0-4 km, Rs 15 for 4-8 km, Rs 20 for 8-12 kms and Rs 25 for beyond 12 kms.
DMRC will be introducing 100 e-feeder buses in all by the end of October 2021 in a phased manner for enhanced last-mile commuting experience to the public from 14 Metro stations covering a total of 10 routes.
These e-buses are specially designed and equipped with an intelligent transport system with CCTVs and GPS availability. Buses are provided with an Anti-skid, anti-brake locking system and will not move till all doors are closed. The doors will also not close on detection of any obstruction. For Divyangjans and elderly passengers, buses are also fitted with ramps and anchorage for the wheelchair. For handling any emergency situation, these buses are also equipped with a Panic button and stop request button. For the maintenance and stabling of these buses, dedicated depots have been also set up at Shastri Park and Majlis Park along with an operational control centre to monitor them. There are 2.5 MW electric connections for the charging of e-buses. For regular cleaning of these e-buses, automatic wash plants have also been provided at both the e-Bus depots.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)