A green fleet for a better image

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI, MARCH 25. In line with the ``Green Delhi'' campaign, Blueline buses and those running under the DTC KM Scheme will now be replaced by the more eco-friendly CNG ones with a ``new colour scheme'' which would be pleasing to the eye.

Around 12,000 such buses are presently plying on Delhi roads under different schemes. While Bluelines account for around 3,200 buses, there are 3,000 buses under the DTC KM Scheme besides 4,000 contract carriages and a fleet of 1,800 buses under DTC. In addition, a large number of buses are plying under the STA permit.

All this would, however, change with the entry of the CNG buses. According to the Delhi Transport Minister, Mr. Parvez Hashmi, a new colour scheme would now be introduced for Blueline buses and the light green ones operating under the DTC KM Scheme. The manufacturers and owners of these buses have already been intimated about this new scheme which is more attractive and soothing to the eye.

The idea to introduce this new colour scheme, especially for the Blueline buses, is aimed at washing away the adverse impression about these buses from the minds of the public. Following a hue and cry, the Redline buses were earlier asked to change their colour scheme giving birth to these Blueline buses. But these buses have turned to be more deadly and during the past few weeks, there has been a rising incidence of these buses going on the rampage.

Mr. Hashmi says the new colour scheme of pale yellow with a strip of green would now apply to these buses. In fact, all new CNG buses would have this colour scheme thus giving these a more eco-friendly look. Similarly, all light green buses under the DTC KM Scheme would also adopt this new colour scheme. ``Our effort is to provide people with a friendly transport system. This is also an effort on our part to remove the negative impression about Blueline buses.''

The Minister indicated that the Government would take steps to ensure that only trained drivers are allowed to operate these vehicles. Steps are also being taken to install electronic speed governors to ensure that over-speeding is dealt with firmly and curbed to a large extent.

Beginning April 1, the Government has also decided to register only those auto-rickshaws and taxis with digital meters. This would come as a big relief to commuters and put an end to over- charging and exploitation on the roads. As for the old three- wheelers and taxis, Mr. Hashmi says it had been decided that all vehicles running on mechanical meters would change to digital meters from the date of their next fitness.

At the same time, he says, the existing fleet of auto-rickshaws which have a green strip painted on them would have to change to the new colour scheme of parrot green and yellow from their next date of fitness.

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