The Delhi High Court extended the permits for cluster buses in the city until July 15. This decision comes as a temporary relief to ensure uninterrupted public transportation services while the authorities work on a long-term resolution. The extension aims to prevent disruption in daily commuting for residents.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court intervened to prevent a potential shortage of public buses in the city. Nearly 1,000 cluster buses at risk of being taken off the roads, as their 10-year contracts with the Delhi Transport department set to expire on June 19. However, the court has now extended the permits for these buses until July 15.
The issue arose due to concerns raised by certain cluster bus service operators, whose contracts nearing their end. Currently, there are 3,147 cluster buses operating in Delhi, and out of these, 997 scheduled to stop running.
The government’s plan to switch these buses to electric vehicles faced delays, leading to the need for this interim relief.
Three companies providing cluster bus services, Metro Transit Pvt Ltd, Antony Road Transport Solutions Pvt Ltd, and Goverdhan Transport Co Pvt Ltd approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim measures.
The case heard by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, who directed the permits for these buses to be extended until July 15, preventing a potential disruption in the city’s public transportation system.
This decision guarantees the smooth operation of public buses until a further ruling is issued. The court has given the Delhi government 15 days to respond to the petitions, with the next hearing set for July 15.
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The petitions highlighted a crucial point, the request to extend the validity of permits until every bus in the fleet reaches 10 years of operation. This measure aims to maintain fleet continuity, ensuring that buses continue to operate as long as they are roadworthy.
The dispute originates from agreements made in 2013 between the companies and the Delhi government regarding the operation, maintenance, and management of Stage Carriage Services in the capital.
As the legal proceedings continue, the High Court’s intervention offers a temporary relief for both cluster bus operators and commuters.