CM flags off Delhi-Baraut bus service, okays 53 fast track courts for women

On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off the fully-electric Delhi–Baraut Inter-State AC Bus Service from Maharana Pratap ISBT, while also inaugurating the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) and launching the ‘Chalo App’ on the ONDC platform.

The event, attended by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, Baghpat MP Dr Rajkumar Sangwan, senior Transport Department officials and Canara Bank representatives, also saw the signing of an MoU between Canara Bank and DTC for rolling out AFCS across the bus network.

The CM distributed Point of Sale (PoS) machines among bus conductors, underscoring her government’s focus on transparency and revenue growth.

Highlighting reforms, CM Gupta said DTC’s inter-state buses were resuming after 18 years, with the Delhi–Baraut route being the first of many. She announced complete route rationalisation, depot modernisation and ISBT redevelopment, alongside efforts to make DTC revenue-surplus.

The newly-launched service will operate six daily trips each way, covering Khajoori Khas, Loni, Baghpat and Baraut, offering eco-friendly mobility and regional connectivity.

In a separate announcement, CM Gupta unveiled a major decision on women’s safety, approving the establishment of 53 new Fast Track Special Courts in Delhi for speedy disposal of cases related to women and children. The move includes converting 16 existing ad-hoc courts into permanent ones.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. These courts will ensure timely justice in POCSO and rape cases, strengthening women’s confidence and security,” Gupta said.

The Law Department has begun preparations for appointing 53 judicial officers and support staff to operationalise the courts.