DTC Plans 4 AM Buses on All Routes and Female Police on Ladies Specials
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is planning to introduce early-morning bus services starting at 4 am across all its routes, expanding on a limited number of existing early routes such as the one connecting Bhajanpura to Noida. The move, reported on June 20, 2026, aims to improve safety for female commuters and enhance connectivity for working professionals and students travelling long distances.
The directive to explore the feasibility of starting these early services was given by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu during a recent meeting focused on public transit and safety.
Currently, DTC buses exit their home depots at 4 am, but early morning operations are limited to a small number of routes. On the route from Bhajanpura to Noida, these early buses reach bus stops at 4:15 am and 4:55 am. LG Sandhu has now directed the DTC to explore implementing the 4 am start time across its entire network of nearly 900 routes. Officials noted that the focus will be on routes connecting offices, schools, colleges, and industrial areas to help commuters reach their destinations on time.
Alongside the expanded hours, a decision was made to deploy women police personnel inside all DTC ladies-special buses running on identified routes. The DTC has already conducted a preliminary exercise to map out vulnerable routes that experience high female ridership.
The Delhi Police has been requested to provide the necessary female workforce to secure these ladies-special buses, particularly during morning and evening hours. Additionally, LG Sandhu directed that women Home Guard Marshals be deployed to assist the police personnel.
Officials stated that the deployment of female police and marshals is designed to ensure robust on-board security. The measure aims to prevent unruly elements from boarding buses reserved for women and to stop harassment as female passengers board or de-board. During the review meeting, the LG issued strict instructions to authorities, stating that the safety of women must not be compromised at any cost.
