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Delhi government plans air conditioned bus service between IGI and city
Waiting for a cab to travel to the airport or haggling with taxiwallahs outside the terminal could soon become history if the Delhi government's plan to ply swanky, air conditioned buses to and from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport materialises. The buses will also let passengers complete check-in formalities even before they reach the airport.
The Delhi government last week had cleared a proposal to launch a premium bus service between the airport and different parts of the city. Chief Secretary, Delhi Government, Rakesh Mehta, told MiD DAY, "The government has in principal agreed to the proposal. However, we are yet to work out the modalities."
A total of 150 air conditioned, mini-size buses will be procured by the Urban Mass Transport Corporation Limited (UMTC), a joint venture of the Ministry of Urban Development and a few state transport corporations. The operation will either be looked after by the Delhi Transport Corporation or a new company will be floated.
"The UMTC has been asked to prepare a detailed plan, including the revenue-sharing model," said RK Verma, commissioner of transport, Delhi Government.
OP Aggarwal, the managing director of UMTC, said they have proposed 25 destinations in the city from where these buses will be operated. "Fare, revenue-sharing and other details are being worked out," said Aggarwal.
To make the passenger comfortable, the buses will have TV screens and play music. Passengers will also be served beverages on the way and the crew will be trained to be courteous. The service will provide baggage-handling facility as well.
The buses will have another advantage. Airport check-in facility will be provided to passengers at several locations along the route. "We are working out a mechanism so that passengers can check-in early," said a transport department official, wishing anonymity.
In the absence of a comfortable and reliable public transport system between the city and the airport, most passengers use private vehicles. This leads to regular traffic jams around the airport.
The Delhi airport handed 10.39 million passengers in 2003-04, which has gone up to 23 million in 2007-08. The airport is being upgraded to handle 37 million passengers by the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and 100 million by 2030.
| Other cities with similar service |
World: Cairo, Sydney, Vancouver, Paris, Tokyo, Amsterdam
India:
Chennai: Air conditioned buses operate between the Chennai airport and the Central Railway Station in the city. During the day, the minimum fare is Rs 25 and the maximum, Rs 50
Bengaluru: The airport shuttle service here includes AC and non-AC buses plying from different parts of the city. These buses operate every 30 minute and the charges are nominal.
Hyderabad: Will soon have this service |
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