Sheila inaugurates biggest-ever public transport bus depot

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today commissioned the biggest-ever public transport Bus Depot in the capital, ushering into a new era of world-class transport facility in the city. The Depot is at Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) Bus Parking and Logistic Centre, near Millennium Park.

Speaking at a function held at the Depot, the Chief Minister described it as one of the best green Bus Depots in the country. She also launched hybrid buses with modern technology here, which are capable of covering distance at a speed similar to Delhi Metro. The four CNG-Electric Hybrid buses of Tata Motors will run in the city during the period of Commonwealth Games. With this, the DTC has come a long way in providing the most advanced public transport in the Capital, Ms Dikshit said. She described this as a humble beginning, which would take the public transport in Delhi to new heights. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the PWD in commissioning such a unique Bus Depot in the shortest possible time over an ash pond and slushy area. The Depot has been constructed keeping in view the Commonwealth Games, but it will continue to be an integral part of Delhi's legacy, she informed.

''The new Depot is even better than international standard,'' she claimed.

Ms Dikshit expressed confidence the new Depot would be maintained properly to keep alive its sheen and utility. She said the structure was attractive enough and visible right from the Ring Road. ''With coming up of this new Depot, the Capital city has marched towards making the Public Transport System more reliable, dependable and comfortable,'' she asserted.

''This is not an end, the DTC has to achieve more milestones,'' she added. Elaborating on its features, the Chief Minister said, ''The new Depot is comprehensive in all respects with parking space for around 1000 buses, five workshop-cum-bus scanning centres, seven dormitories for various DTC officers and night stay for 500 persons.'' ''Eight washing pits, four underground tanks for washing buses, two CNG filling stations, two more underground tanks for water supply and fire reserve, 11 KV electric sub-station, baggage scanning centre to be maintained by Delhi Police, 16 high mast lighting, fire-fighting system and ample illumination with energy efficient lamps have also been added,'' she informed.

''Moreover, the Depot has been surrounded by green cover to give an aesthetic view,'' she said.

While launching hybrid buses, Ms Dikshit stated that Delhi was, in fact, awaiting this defining moment. This was another feather on the cap of DTC after low-floor green and red CNG buses, she added.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that more hybrid buses will be inducted into the DTC fleet. ''This will go a long way in overcoming pollution. Delhi is all set to welcome new initiatives of the DTC as it is going to improve the lifestyle of passengers at large,'' she said. The DTC has made all elaborate arrangements required during the Games, Ms Dikshit added. The function was presided over by PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan.

Delhi Transport Minister Arvinder Singh and MLA Vir Singh Dhingan also graced the occasion.