Delhi: Mohalla bus trials launched on one more route

The Delhi government’s Mohalla bus service, aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity, began its trial run on the Vasant Vihar circular route on Friday.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot launched the Mohalla bus during the event, which was also attended by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Parmila Tokas from R K Puram.

“This route covers Munirka, Vasant Kunj, three malls, the police station, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). It spans approximately 11 kilometres,” Gahlot said, noting the importance of the route due to frequent requests for improved last-mile connectivity.

For the trial, two buses will operate initially, with plans to add more as needed, Gahlot added.

Trials for the Mohalla buses are already underway on four other routes: Pradhan Enclave Pushta to Majlis Park Metro Station, Akshardham Metro Station to Mayur Vihar Phase III Paper Market, Kailash Colony Metro Station to PNB Gitanjali Colony, and Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station to Vasant Vihar Metro Station.

The Mohalla Bus Scheme provides feeder services using nine-meter-long electric buses to improve accessibility in Delhi neighbourhoods. The AAP government plans to operate 2,180 Mohalla buses by 2025, designed to navigate narrow roads where larger buses struggle.

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Each Mohalla bus has 23 seats, space for 13 standing passengers, and can travel over 200 km after a 45-minute charge. The green buses are easily identifiable, with 25 per cent of the seats (six) reserved for women and marked in pink.

The fare structure is the same as that of Delhi’s air-conditioned buses, with ticket prices of Rs 10, 15, 20, and 25. Women can travel free using the pink pass.

(With inputs from PTI)