Delhi Bus Crisis: DTC to Remove 1,500 Buses in 2025, Key Areas to Face Commuting Woes

A Looming Transport Crisis
Delhi’s public transport system faces a critical challenge in 2025, with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) set to remove 1,500 buses—500 DTC buses due to exceeding their 15-year operational lifespan and 1,000 cluster buses due to expiring contracts by April 15, as reported on March 28, 2025. Serving 40 lakh daily commuters, buses are a lifeline after the Delhi Metro. The reduction, against a city requirement of 11,000 buses, will strain an already stretched fleet of 4,359 DTC buses (3,109 CNG, 1,250 electric), exacerbating commuting challenges across the capital.

Key Areas Hit Hardest
Areas like West Delhi (Punjabi Bagh, Shivaji Park), South Delhi (Mehrauli, Nauroji Nagar), and East Delhi (Jagatpuri, Anand Vihar) will face significant disruptions, as these zones rely heavily on routes like 623A, 770, and 473, already plagued by low frequency. Recent incidents, including a DTC bus breakdown in Nauroji Nagar and a cluster bus accident in Jagatpuri, highlight existing vulnerabilities. Commuters in these densely populated areas report wait times exceeding 30 minutes, with overcrowding likely to worsen. Outer Delhi areas like Bawana and Narela, with limited Metro access, may also struggle, pushing residents toward costlier alternatives like autos.

Impact on Daily Commuters
The bus removal threatens to disrupt the lives of millions, particularly low-income groups who depend on DTC’s affordable fares (Rs. 5–25). Women, benefiting from free travel since 2019, and students face heightened inconvenience, with 13.04 crore female trips recorded in 2021–22. Reduced bus availability could lead to longer commutes, missed work hours, and increased reliance on private vehicles, worsening Delhi’s traffic and pollution. A November 2024 DTC strike already exposed the system’s fragility, leaving commuters stranded.

Government’s Response and Outlook
Delhi’s Transport Minister has promised 1,000 new electric buses by April 2025, with 400 flagged off on May 2, bringing the electric fleet to 1,970. However, this falls short of replacing the 1,500 buses, and contract extensions for cluster buses remain uncertain. The government aims for 10,480 buses (80% electric) by year-end, but past procurement delays raise doubts. As Delhi grapples with this crisis, commuters in affected areas brace for a challenging year, urging swift action to restore reliable transport