The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has been a big part of how people get around Delhi. In 1948, the Delhi Transport Service was formed with a fleet of 60 buses to provide public transport within the city. Over the years, as Delhi expanded and its population grew, the need for a more organized transport system became apparent. This led to the establishment of the Delhi Transport Corporation in 1971 by the Government of India, which absorbed the Delhi Transport Service and took over its operations.
DTC’s main job is to offer affordable and well-organized bus services in Delhi and help people around the city every day simply and efficiently. Over the passing time, the Corporation has become the most prominent in the world for using natural gas and has the most electric buses in India as of 2024.
Overview of DTC History and its Buses:
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has clear goals set by laws like the Delhi Road Transport Laws (Amendment) Act of 1971 and the Road Transport Corporation Act of 1950. Its primary responsibilities are:
- Make sure bus travel in Delhi and nearby areas is smooth, affordable, and well-organized.
- Trying to run buses in the best way possible to serve people efficiently.
- Charging fares for fair bus rides that follow the rules set by the government.
- Working towards managing finances well and becoming financially independent.
DTC runs many bus routes all over Delhi, some even go to nearby cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. DTC offers other services like night, tourist, and airport express services.
Additionally, it used to provide buses to Delhi Police and some schools, but this stopped in July 2022. The number of routes run by DTC has been decreasing due to the government’s policy of having a 50:50 ratio of DTC buses and cluster buses on each route.
Working Structure of DTC Buses:
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates under a structured organization comprising a board of directors, including the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), appointed by the Government of Delhi.
The CMD oversees day-to-day operations with the support of Chief General Managers, Regional Managers, and Depot Managers.
As of April 2024, Kailash Gahlot serves as the Chairman of DTC, while Shilpa Shinde holds the position of Managing Director. This structure ensures efficient management and coordination of DTC’s activities, contributing to the smooth operation of bus services and fulfilling the Corporation’s objectives.
Number of Fleets at Delhi Transport Corporation:
As of April 2024, DTC boasts a fleet of 4,088 buses, including 3,288 CNG buses and 800 electric buses, making it the world’s largest CNG bus fleet and India’s largest electric bus fleet.
These buses operate from 37 bus depots spread across Delhi. With Delhi’s total bus count at 7,135, DTC owns 57%.
DTC has undergone two significant fleet upgrades. The first, ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, saw the addition of around 3,125 new CNG low-floor buses, replacing older models.
These buses featured modern amenities like automatic transmission, power steering, and ramps for disabled passengers. The second upgrade began in 2021, with DTC exclusively purchasing electric buses.
These new buses, equipped with digital ticketing and GPS, form India’s largest e-buses fleet. The Delhi government plans to add 1,800 more electric buses to DTC’s fleet soon.
DTC Bus Maps and Accessibility:
DTC Bus Map makes it easy for everyone to find their way. There is no official tool of the Corporation. But You can get these maps online or at bus stops. You can find below the tool to find the best bus route nearby and plan your journey accordingly:
Apart from this, DTC also cares about people with disabilities. They have special buses with low floors and other things to help everyone travel comfortably.
Additionally, the organization continuously works to improve accessibility infrastructure at bus stops and terminals, ensuring inclusivity for all passengers.
DTC Ticket Prices and Passes:
Delhi Transport Corporation- DTC offers a wide range of ticket prices and passes tailored to meet the diverse needs of passengers. Whether you’re a student commuting to school, a senior citizen exploring the city, or a journalist covering events, DTC has a pass to suit your travel requirements.
| Type of Pass | Denomination (Rs.) | Description |
| Student Concessional Passes | Monthly Destination – 100 | Non-AC pass for students traveling to a specific destination. |
| All Route – 100 | Non-AC pass for students traveling on all routes. | |
| All Route (Special) – 150 | Non-AC pass for students with special privileges, valid on all routes. | |
| General All Route Passes (G.L.S) | 800 (Non-AC), 1000 (AC) | Pass for general commuters, valid on all routes either with or without air conditioning. |
| Press All Route Passes | 100 (Non-AC), 200 (AC) | Pass for members of the press, valid on all routes either with or without air conditioning. |
| Senior Citizens Above 60 Years (All Route G.L.S.) | 250* (Non-AC), 350** (AC) | Discounted pass for senior citizens, valid on all routes either with or without air conditioning. Rs. 200 paid by the government and Rs. 50 by the senior citizen. Rs. 200 paid by the government and Rs. 150 by the senior citizen. |
| Free Passes | Free | Passes for disabled persons, freedom fighters with an attendant, sportsmen (international), national awardees, war widows & their dependents, and Delhi MLA’s/MP’s with an attendant. |
| Inter-state (NCR) passes | Delhi to Bahadurgarh – 1,160 | Pass for inter-state travel to Bahadurgarh from Delhi. |
| Delhi to Gurgaon – 1,500 | Pass for inter-state travel to Gurgaon from Delhi. | |
| Delhi to Faridabad – 1,800 | Pass for inter-state travel to Faridabad from Delhi. | |
| Delhi to Ghaziabad – 1,640 | Pass for inter-state travel to Ghaziabad from Delhi. | |
| BPL/AAY Family members | 500 (Non-AC) | Pass for family members under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme. |
| 1,640 | Pass for family members under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme. | |
| Airport Express/Coaches Passes | 1800 (Inter-state) | Pass for unlimited travel within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including Palam Coach/Airport Express service & Inter-state (NCR) routes. |
| 1400 (In NCT of Delhi) | Pass for unlimited travel within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including Airport Express Service. |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Please refer to the latest information from DTC Official Website for accurate details.
Number of Depots under Delhi Transport Corporation:
DTC runs its buses from 37 depots across four regions: East, North, South, and West. Each region has its Regional Manager overseeing operations, while each depot has a Depot Manager. These depots, primarily located in Delhi, handle regular maintenance and bus cleaning.
- Ambedkar Nagar Depot
- BBM Depot
- Dichaun Kalan Depot
- Dwarka Sec- 8 Depot
- Dwarka Sec-2 Depot
- East Vinod Nagar Depot
- Gazipur Depot
- GTK Depot
- Hari Nagar-1 Depot
- Hari Nagar-2 Depot
- Hasanpur Depot
- Kalkaji Depot
- Kanjhawla Depot
- Keshopur Depot
- Mayapuri Depot
- Mundela Kalan Depot
- Nand Nagari Depot
- Nangloi Depot
- Naraina Depot
- Narela Depot
- Noida Depot
- Peera Garhi Depot
- Rajghat-1 Depot
- Rajghat-2 Depot
- Rohini Sec-37 Depot
- Rohini-1 Depot
- Rohini-2 Depot
- Rohini-3 Depot
- Rohini-4 Depot
- Sarojini Nagar Depot
- Shadipur Depot
- Shri Niwas Puri Depot
- Subhash Place Depot
- Sukhdev Vihar Depot
- Tehkhand Depot
- Vasant Vihar Depot
- Wazirpur Depot
The Delhi government is also constructing nine new depots to support DTC’s operations. The list includes familiar names like Ambedkar Nagar Depot and Noida Depot, among others. These depots ensure the smooth functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation’s extensive bus network, providing essential services to millions of commuters daily.
DTC’s Inter-State Bus Service:
DTC used to run buses to nearby states, but it stopped in 2010 because Delhi Transport Corporation switched to a different fuel called CNG, which wasn’t available in those places. Now, the government plans to start this service again.
It is planned to have 1,600 special buses going to cities like Jaipur, Shimla, and Chandigarh. Most of these buses, about 1,200 of them, will be electric and can travel up to 200 kilometers (about 120 miles).
Over the years, it has faced some problems, but it keeps working to improve and help people travel easily in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions on DTC’s History:
What year was Delhi Tranport Corporation founded?
DTC Established in 1948, It has been a vital part of Delhi’s transport network for over seven decades.
What are some milestones in DTC’s history?
DTC introduced CNG buses in 2001, pioneering eco-friendly transport. It also implemented technological advancements for improved efficiency and passenger experience.
What challenges has Delhi transport corporation has faced?
Issues like traffic congestion, air pollution, and financial constraints have posed ongoing challenges for DTC’s operations and sustainability.
How does DTC contribute to Delhi’s transportation system today?
With thousands of buses serving millions of passengers daily, DTC remains a crucial component of Delhi’s public transport infrastructure, facilitating mobility for residents and visitors alike.