DTC Plans 4 AM Bus Expansion Across All Routes To Boost Women Safety

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is planning to introduce early-morning bus services starting at 4 am across all of its routes to improve long-distance commuting and enhance women's safety. The initiative follows directives from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu during a recent review meeting. Currently, these early 4 am operations are limited to only a few select routes, such as the service running from Bhajanpura to Noida.

Under the new proposal, the DTC aims to expand the 4 am start time to its entire network, which currently spans nearly 900 routes. According to transport officials, the expansion will focus heavily on routes that connect offices, schools, colleges, and industrial areas to help commuters reach their destinations on time. At present, buses on the Bhajanpura to Noida route reach stops at 4:15 am and 4:55 am, but most other routes do not have such early options.

Alongside the schedule expansion, Lieutenant Governor Sandhu has ordered the deployment of women police personnel inside all DTC ladies' special buses running on identified routes. The decision was finalized during the recent review meeting to address security concerns for female passengers during peak morning and evening hours.

The DTC has already completed a preliminary exercise to identify vulnerable routes with high female ridership. Following this identification, the Delhi Police has been asked to supply the necessary female personnel. Additionally, Sandhu directed that women Home Guard Marshals be deployed to assist the police officers on board.

Officials stated that the presence of female security personnel is intended to prevent unauthorized or unruly individuals from boarding the ladies' special buses. It also aims to stop harassment as women board or exit the vehicles. Sandhu issued strict instructions to authorities, emphasizing that the safety of women must not be compromised under any circumstances.