Travelling from the GT (Grand Trunk) Road belt of Haryana directly to the national capital will be convenient for commuters and daily passengers, as the Delhi government has introduced five new electric air-conditioned low-floor buses.
The new interstate public transport will link Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate and Karnal via Singhu Border, Rai, Bahalgarh, Murthal, Gannaur, Samalkha, Panipat, Gharaunda and Madhuban.
The bus service along with others, was flagged off by Delhi lieutenant governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta from the Delhi University Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Officials said that the service, which marked the beginning of a wider expansion of electric public transport services, covers an approximately 133-km one-way corridor at an affordable fare of ₹212 from Delhi to Karnal.
The five buses will make 10 trips daily in both directions, linking the two cities. In Karnal, the buses will originate/terminate at the old bus stand and have arrived here.
A DTC staffer said that the low-floor buses have 32 seats with reserved seats for females and QR codes provided near seats, where passengers can purchase tickets online and get a 10% instant discount.
He said that the first bus leaves at 9.30 am and the last will depart at around 10 pm, giving much respite to late night travellers for Delhi.
Kuldeep Singh, general manager, Haryana roadways, Karnal depot, said that the DTC buses have started operations and have been provided charging service at the same site where Haryana City Bus Service Limited (HCBSL) buses are charged as both are operated by the same company.
He said that the project to develop a new electric bus stand is under construction near NH-44, from where the e-buses will operate and get charged.
Earlier in May, Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off 80 new e-buses including a bus service from Panipat to Delhi (Singhu border).
The new buses also ply from Panipat to Karnal, Shamli, Gohana and other local routes.
