In trans-Yamuna area, hurdles in route mapping delayingDEVi bus trials

From electrical poles and timber in the midst of slender streets to shifting weekly markets, unlawful parking, and roadside encroachments, officers say a number of logistical challenges are complicating route rationalisation in East Delhi.

The Delhi authorities, in collaboration with researchers from IIT Delhi, initiated the route-mapping mission earlier this 12 months to organize for the roll-out of DEVi buses, first launched in 2023 by the AAP authorities as Mohalla buses. The rebranded service was formally launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 2 from Ghazipur, Nangloi, and East Vinod Nagar depots, with 400 buses flagged off.

Building on that, the Chief Minister on July 15 introduced {that a} pilot route planning mission would start in Yamuna Vihar, with the purpose of replicating the mannequin throughout the Capital.

Logistical hurdles

However, the on-ground actuality in East Delhi’s dense neighbourhoods is proving complicated. “From electrical poles at intersections, timber blocking turns, to slender culverts and roadside markets, every part impacts whether or not and when a bus can cross,” mentioned a senior DTC official concerned within the trial runs.

He cited weekly markets that occupy completely different lanes on completely different days, affecting day-wise accessibility. “If a market runs on Tuesdays in a single locality, buses might should keep away from that route from 4 p.m. onwards. In Trilokpuri, as an illustration, there’s merely not sufficient house for a DEVi bus to show round when the market is lively. Only bikes or cycles can cross by way of,” the official mentioned.

In circumstances involving timber or energy poles, momentary route detours are the one resolution for now. Removing electrical poles entails a number of companies and lengthy processes, and the company has clarified that it has no intention of slicing down timber obstructing slender lanes.

Community cooperation

For encroachments by personal outlets or unlawful parking, officers say group help is crucial. “Large-scale removing of encroachments typically causes unrest. But if Resident Welfare Associations and market our bodies cooperate, the method turns into a lot simpler,” the official added.

Despite these operational snags, one other senior official exuded confidence and mentioned the issues can be ironed out in the long run. “It is a one-of-a-kind initiative in India. There is not any prepared mannequin to repeat. These logistical points are being mapped as we go. In the subsequent neighbourhoods, we can be higher ready,” the official mentioned.

The same mannequin was examined earlier by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 2019 with its 9-metre feeder buses from Shastri Park and Majlis Park depots. However, the buses, run by personal operators, had been transferred to Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS) in 2023 after battling profitability and route rationalisation.

“The largest concern was route planning. Limited buses and inconsistent connectivity made the feeder mannequin unviable as a last-mile possibility,” mentioned a senior DMRC official.