Odd-Even: Delhi govt tells DMRC to rationalise feeder service

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has asked DMRC to rationalise its metro feeder bus routes in order to ensure last-mile connectivity in the city during the second phase of the odd-even car-rationing scheme starting April 15, Transport Minister Gopal Rai today said.

The minister, who chaired a meeting of coordination committee on the scheme, said mini buses will also be allowed to ply under the feeder bus service. He has asked Delhi Metro to finalise a plan on rationalisation of feeder buses.

The government said by April 8 it will complete all preparations for the implementation of the scheme and thereafter a notification will be issued.

"Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been directed to rationalise the metro feeder bus routes during the second phase of odd-even scheme as most existing routes cover 20 kms.

"Metro has been asked to prepare routes so that feeder buses will only cover 8-10 km. Small buses will also be allowed to ply under the feeder bus service to cater to people," Rai told reporters.

In the meeting, city traffic police was also asked to give a detailed plan on deployment of cops during the fifteen-day implementation period.

He said the government will also run private buses on contract under the 'Paryavaran Bus Sewa' as they did it during the first phase of the scheme.

Rai said the Transport Department this time will not use the service of school buses as most of the schools did not show any interest in offering their buses during the first phase of the scheme.

DTC will on March 28 start registration of private buses under the 'Paryavaran Bus Sewa' and these buses will be given special permit for 15 days at all DTC-run depots and this will continue till April 14.

"We have also decided to hire 400 ex-servicemen for the enforcement wing of the transport department. They will be deployed on roads and the teams will also have power to challan any violators," the transport minister said.

Asked if violators will be imposed a fine of Rs 2,000, Rai said that they are still working on it.

On women drivers, he said they would be given exemption as earlier, Rai said.

"We will most probably issue a notification on April 8 in regard after which all doubts will be cleared," he said.

First phase of the odd-even scheme was implemented from January 1 to 15.