The Delhi Transport Department has announced that starting Saturday night (September 14, 2024), buses will not be allowed to enter or operate from the city’s three Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) – Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar – without a FASTag. This rule, applicable to both government and private buses, aims to streamline fee collection and ease traffic congestion around these busy terminals.
New Parking Fees and Penalties
As part of the new regulations, a uniform parking fee of ₹500 (excluding GST) will be levied for a parking duration of up to 25 minutes. This fee will be collected exclusively via FASTag. Buses overstaying the 25-minute limit will face penalties, though the notification did not specify the exact penalties for extended parking.
FASTag Payment: When and How to Make?
FASTag Provision and Infrastructure Upgrades
Arrangements have been made to provide FASTags to buses currently without them at the ISBTs. According to officials from the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC), which oversees the three terminals, several improvements have also been made. These improvements include upgraded porta cabins, barriers, and the addition of air-conditioned rooms for operators and storerooms, all designed to ensure the smooth rollout of the new FASTag system.
What Are The Benefits of Using FASTag?
Uniform Charges for Government and Private Buses
A significant change in the new system is that both government and private buses will now pay the same parking fees. Previously, private buses faced higher charges, leading many to park illegally or pick up passengers outside the ISBTs. This caused traffic jams and resulted in financial losses for state-run buses. The new uniform fees aim to rectify these issues and ensure equitable treatment for all bus operators.
Solving Traffic and Congestion Problems
The introduction of the FASTag system is expected to address long-standing traffic and congestion issues around ISBTs. These problems, including poor parking management, delays in bus schedules, and illegal parking, frequently led to traffic jams, particularly on major thoroughfares such as the Ring Road, Tis Hazari, and Sadar Bazar. The new system aims to make bus operations smoother, which is expected to reduce traffic on key roads near ISBTs like Tis Hazari and Sarai Kale Khan.
Challenges in Running ISBTs
Officials highlighted that the ISBTs have been underutilized, primarily due to differential charges for private and government buses, and inadequate parking management. Furthermore, the use of terminals by bus staff as rest areas contributed to external traffic congestion. With the new FASTag system and uniform parking fees, authorities aim to make operations more efficient, reduce traffic jams, and enhance the utilization of ISBTs.
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