Expand the Bus Fleet in Delhi to Combat Air Pollution, Urges CAG Report
The recent CAG report has urged the the Delhi Government to urgently expand the bus fleet in Delhi, optimize existing routes, and improve last-mile connectivity to reduce air pollution and enhance public transport services.
A recent performance audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has highlighted the critical need for the Delhi Government to expand its bus fleet and tackle the severe air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.
The report, tabled by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, emphasizes the urgency of addressing the shortage of 2,250 buses to enhance public transport services and reduce pollution levels in the national capital.
Expand The Bus Fleet in Delhi: Immediate Action Needed
The CAG report stresses that the shortage of public transport buses is a major factor contributing to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.
With only 657 notified bus routes, 238 of them remain completely unserved, leaving a significant gap in coverage for commuters. The absence of adequate public transport alternatives has led to more private vehicle usage, further exacerbating traffic congestion and pollution in the city.
In light of this, the CAG has recommended the immediate expansion of Delhi’s bus fleet. This includes the procurement of additional buses to bridge the existing gap, along with a focus on route rationalization.
The report suggests that optimizing the current fleet’s routes will help maximize their utility, ensuring that buses serve the city’s areas more efficiently while reducing the strain on resources.
Improving Maintenance and Last-Mile Connectivity
To support the expansion of the bus fleet in Delhi, the CAG report also calls for better maintenance practices. It points out the need for skill development among the repair and maintenance staff, ensuring that they are adequately trained to handle the upkeep of the growing fleet.
By improving the efficiency of maintenance operations, the longevity of buses can be extended, thus contributing to the overall expansion strategy.
In addition to expanding the bus fleet, the report highlights the need for better last-mile connectivity. It points out that Gramin-Sewa Vehicles, which provide crucial last-mile connectivity, have remained stagnant since 2011.
Expanding these services is crucial to ensuring that commuters can easily access public transport options and reduce their reliance on personal vehicles.
Addressing Polluting Vehicles Entering Delhi
The report also draws attention to the entry of polluting vehicles into Delhi from neighboring states, a factor that significantly contributes to the city’s poor air quality. With 128 entry points into Delhi, the report reveals that enforcement teams are deployed at only seven entry points.
Moreover, the teams lack the necessary equipment to check visibly polluting vehicles. The CAG urges the Delhi Government to strengthen its enforcement efforts at these entry points to curb the inflow of highly polluting vehicles.
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Lack of Progress on Eco-Friendly Alternatives
While the report acknowledges the growing need for public transport alternatives, it criticizes the Delhi Government for failing to take action on proposed schemes like the eco-friendly Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail.
These alternatives were seen as viable solutions to reduce the burden on the bus system and offer more sustainable transport options. The CAG report recommends that the government prioritize these initiatives to provide comprehensive transport options while addressing the city’s air pollution crisis.
