L-G directs major overhaul of ISBT Kashmere Gate

New Delhi, August 31

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena conducted a thorough inspection of the Maharana Pratap ISBT Kashmere Gate on Saturday, directing officials to undertake a comprehensive makeover of the terminal. He asked them to reduce the turnaround time (the time period for which the bus stays inside the ISBT) for inter-state buses to ease traffic congestion.

ISBT needs makeover

The condition of the terminal is unacceptable. We need a complete makeover within the next 15 days. — VK Saxena, Delhi Lieutenant Governor

“To enhance the efficiency of the bus terminal and to alleviate the traffic snarls outside, it is imperative to reduce the turnaround time for inter-state buses from the current 45-60 minutes to 30 minutes,” Saxena instructed the Transport Commissioner and DTC officials. This measure, he noted, would increase the circulation of buses by over 50 per cent, significantly improving traffic flow in the area.

Currently, ISBT Kashmere Gate handles approximately 2,600 buses daily from its 60 bays, including around 1,300 inter-state buses.

With the reduced turnaround time, the terminal could manage over 1,900 inter-state buses per day, up from the existing 1,300. During his visit, the L-G expressed dissatisfaction with the terminal’s upkeep, citing issues with maintenance, sanitation, and the encroachment of passenger areas by unauthorised vendors. “The condition of the terminal is unacceptable. We need a complete makeover within the next 15 days,” Saxena demanded. He called for immediate repairs to the false ceiling and broken tiles, the greening of unused spaces, and the removal of stains and litter. He also directed the MCD and the Delhi Police to prevent illegal squatting and ensure clear pathways for both passengers and buses.

Following the ISBT inspection, Saxena undertook a walking tour of Rani Jhansi Road, where he observed road encroachment, disrepair of pavements and central verges, and the poor condition of the road around the Faiz Road intersection. “The current state of Rani Jhansi Road is severely hindering traffic flow, affecting large areas including Pul Bangash, Sabzi Mandi, Azad Market, Sadar Bazar, and Malka Ganj,” the L-G remarked.

He emphasised the need for immediate inter-departmental coordination between the MCD, PWD, and Traffic Police to address these issues. “We cannot allow such neglect to continue. All concerned departments must act swiftly to restore order,” Saxena said.