Delhi cabinet nod for free DTC bus travel for women

The Delhi cabinet on Thursday approved free ride for women in DTC and cluster buses starting October 29, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahalot said.

The Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, decided that women will be able to enjoy free rides in the national capital from Bhaiya Duj.

Speaking to the media, Gahlot said a single journey pass will be issued to woman by the conductor willing to travel by DTC and cluster buses.

He also said females who want to pay for their ride can buy tickets.

The Delhi Assembly had on Monday approved additional grant of Rs 479 crore for the Transport Sector, which includes funds to provide subsidy for free rides for women in DTC buses.

The supplementary grant for the transport sector was moved by Finance Minister Manish Sisodia and includes Rs 140 crore for free transport for women by buses.

"Rs 90 crore was kept for DTC buses while Rs 50 crore was kept for cluster buses to provide subsidy to female riders," the proposal said.

On June 3, Kejriwal announced that his government is planning to roll out a free travel scheme for women in Delhi metro and DTC.

He said the Delhi government will provide subsidy for free travel to women in DTC buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro in the national capital.

The proposal for free metro ride is still under process as it includes several technicalities, he added.
IANS