Space-starved Delhi Transport Corporation fumes over Millenium Depot move

NEW DELHI: The decision of the Delhi government to relocate the Millennium Depot seems to have sent officials in the Delhi Transport Corporation scrambling for solutions. DTC claims it is already facing a space crunch, especially since it plans to acquire more buses. "The old fleet is being replaced by low floor buses which require more space. More than 1,200 such buses will be replaced," said a senior official.

Adding to the space crunch is the fact that many cluster buses are parked in DTC depots. While the Sunehri and Kushak Nullah depots have been made available to cluster buses, many are still parked at existing DTC depots. Incidentally, the reason why cluster buses haven't been launched yet, according to the transport department, is the lack of depot space. The depots where DTC is sharing space with clusters include Rajghat, Dilshad Garden, Dwarka and Okhla.

"There is a constant tug of war for depot space. DDA, which is to provide land, is yet to hand over the required tracks," added the official. According to officials, depots cannot be located outside the city as it will lead to 'dead miles'-buses will not ferry passengers between the depot and the first bus stop. "Getting depots within the city is becoming increasingly difficult. This is why we have mooted the idea of multi-storeyed depots," the official said.

According to DTC officials, around 200 acres of depot space is required for DTC and cluster buses plying on Delhi roads, but they have been allotted only 10 acres. For instance, DDA has identified two plots for depots in Rohini, one of which has been encroached upon. Another plot identified in Vasant Kunj is under litigation, added the official.

Interestingly, even as DTC talks about lack of depot space fro its buses, Delhi government is planning to renovate and rebuild six depots-at Vasant Vihar, Sarojini Nagar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, Srinivaspuri and Raja Garden-into commercial establishments with budget hotels etc.