DMRC to set up firm for last-mile connectivity

New Delhi: Last-mile connectivity from Metro stations could get a major boost as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is in the process of forming a subsidiary company for an efficient and safe end-mile connectivity system.

“DMRC is in the process of forming a subsidiary company in order to manage the issues related to last mile connectivity. All issues related to last mile connectivity including parking are proposed to be handled by this company,” Anuj Dayal, executive director, DMRC said.

The primary responsibility of the company will be to make the feeder bus system financially viable as well as to explore other options to provide end-mile connectivity, including e-rickshaws and other electric and CNG-run vehicles. However, the modalities of the company are yet to be finalised.

As per the proposal, the Corporation plans to procure 530 mini buses, which will be operated by a separate company. “Out of these 530 mini buses, 242 are going to be electric and the rest would be CNG-run buses. In the first phase, 24-seater mini buses will be inducted, while in the second phase smaller vehicles will be procured.

DMRC had done a survey to find out feasible feeder routes and has decided to run services on 52 such routes,” a Delhi Metro official said.

At present, the corporation through various contractors operates 291 feeder buses on 42 approved routes, connecting 54 Metro stations and catering to nearly two lakh passengers on a daily basis. However, unauthorised feeder buses and e-rickshaws are not only hurting the revenues of the DMRC but also posing challenges related to passenger safety.

With new lines opening and rapid expansion of the Delhi Metro network, a new firm will be able to manage the end-mile connectivity network in an organised and an efficient manner, said an official. The corporation operates around 100 parking lots at various Metro stations at present through various contractors.