CM Rekha flags off U-Special electric buses for DU students

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta relaunched the University Special (U-Special) bus service for Delhi University students on Thursday, flagging off a fleet of new electric buses from the Delhi University Sports Complex.

CM Gupta described the relaunch as a “new chapter of safe, convenient and eco-friendly transport” for the youth. She said the electric buses are fitted with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and music systems, aimed at providing students with a secure and comfortable travel experience.

She announced Delhi Government is introducing fresh policies to support start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enabling young people to contribute creatively to the development of society.

Reflecting on her own college days, the Chief Minister grew nostalgic about the significance of U-Special buses during her student life at Delhi University. “They took away the stress of the entire day, they carried us to college and back home on time,” she said. “The joy of sitting on the bus steps and feeling the breeze was something else altogether,” she added.

Gupta spoke warmly about the bonds formed during these journeys. “These buses took on the responsibility of getting students home safely and punctually. Travelling with friends, sharing laughter and chatter and returning home together — these were unforgettable moments,” she said. “Today, I’ve brought them back for all of you.”

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for relaunching the U-Special service within a month of its announcement. He stated, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi is being developed into a world-class city.

He said the Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC) U-Special buses would operate on more than 25 routes, connecting Delhi University’s North and South Campuses, 67 colleges, nearby neighbourhoods, metro stations and other key parts of the city. He urged students to use the buses rather than private vehicles.

The role of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in advocating for the service was acknowledged during the launch. Gupta said, “The office bearers of the ABVP-led DUSU approached me several times with the demand for U-Special buses and submitted memorandums. As a result, today you see these buses running.”

She added, “We are also considering ABVP’s demand for metro concession passes and soon, students of Delhi University will benefit from that too.”

Delhi University Students’ Union vice president Bhanu Pratap Singh called the relaunch “a day of joy for the entire Delhi University student community.” He said, “Today, our Chief Minister fulfilled the demands of ABVP and initiated the U-Special bus service for DU students. We extend our gratitude to the Chief Minister for this special initiative.”

With the launch of 25 new U-Special buses, Delhi students would benefit from improved connectivity between North and South Campus, as well as JNU, IIT Delhi and major residential areas — ensuring safe, reliable and convenient travel for the city’s youth.