BJP demands white paper on public transport in Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, raising 10 questions on the functioning of the public transport system in the Capital city, in the wake of the recent announcement that the state government plans to make transportation for women in metro and buses free. He demanded that the government publish a white paper on the status of public transport systems in Delhi so that the feasibility of such schemes can be discussed in the public domain.

Tiwari termed the announcement of free travel for women as an election promise with the 2019 Assembly polls looming. He said due to the shortage of buses, the number of taxis and autos have increased. The state BJP chief claimed that Kejriwal recovered Rs 2,000 crore as cess from the people of Delhi but does not give details on how the fund is used.

He has asked Kejriwal to categorically state the number of the DTC and cluster buses on February 10, 2015, and how many of them were in running condition. "What is the number of DTC and cluster buses today? How much is spent on the maintenance of the low floor buses which are more than 10 years old?" Tiwari asked in his letter. The North East Delhi MP however clarified that he is not against the idea of free travel in metro and buses for women, but that the timing of such announcements must be questioned.

He has also asked about the steps taken by Delhi Government for improving the transport system of Delhi and the success in this regard.