Under-Utilised DEVI Bus Service Immediate Government Intervention Required

Dwarka City Newspaper, a pioneering and widely read community publication serving the residents of Dwarka since 2003, has raised serious concerns over the under-utilisation of the recently introduced DEVI Bus Service operating within the Dwarka sub-city. Despite being operational for the past two to three months, the service has witnessed near-zero passenger usage, with buses frequently seen running empty across multiple sectors. The issue has prompted the newspaper to formally approach senior functionaries of the Delhi Government, urging immediate corrective measures to prevent wastage of public resources and loss of a potentially vital transport facility. In a detailed representation submitted to the government, Mukesh Kumar Sinha, Managing Editor of Dwarka City Newspaper, highlighted significant gaps in planning, execution and public communication related to the DEVI Bus Service. He pointed out that the absence of clearly defined routes, fixed timetables and basic public awareness has rendered the service largely ineffective. This is particularly concerning in a rapidly growing sub-city like Dwarka, where residents have long demanded better internal connectivity to link residential sectors with schools, hospitals, markets, metro stations and institutional hubs.

To assess the ground reality, Sinha, along with members of his media team, personally travelled on DEVI buses on multiple occasions across different sectors and time slots. During these journeys, the buses were found to be almost completely empty, even during peak hours. Interactions with drivers and conductors revealed a troubling lack of operational clarity. The staff stated that they had been instructed to ply the buses but were not provided with detailed information regarding route plans or the broader purpose of the service. According to Sinha, the fact that frontline staff themselves are unaware of basic operational details reflects deeper systemic issues. He stated that when drivers and conductors cannot guide passengers about routes or timings, citizens are unlikely to trust or use the service. This, he emphasised, points to serious shortcomings in planning and inter-departmental coordination. He cautioned that without urgent intervention, the DEVI Bus Service may fail to achieve its intended objectives.

Dwarka City Newspaper also noted that residents of Dwarka have not been officially informed about the DEVI Bus Service. There are no route maps, no fixed schedules displayed at bus stops and no informational signage explaining the service. No awareness campaigns have been carried out through newspapers, social media or community platforms such as RWAs, MWAs and NGOs. In the absence of basic information, commuters remain unaware of the service, making meaningful utilisation virtually impossible. Several residents echoed these concerns. A resident of Sector 6 remarked that while he had seen the DEVI buses passing regularly, he had no idea where they were going or how frequently they operated. Another resident from Sector 12 stated that without a published timetable, it was impossible to plan daily travel around the service. A senior citizen from Sector-10 noted that an internal bus service could have been extremely helpful for elderly residents, but the lack of information meant that most people did not even know the service existed. Parents and working professionals also expressed disappointment. A resident from Sector- 9 said that Dwarka urgently needs a reliable feeder-type bus system connecting residential sectors to metro stations, but such services can only work if routes and timings are clearly communicated. Another resident from Sector 21 observed that public transport initiatives often fail not because of lack of demand, but because citizens are not taken into confidence at the planning stage.

The letter was addressed to Pankaj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Government of Delhi and copies were marked to Mrs. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Member of Parliament (West Delhi), Sandeep Sehrawat, MLA-Matiala, Kuldeep Solanki, MLA- Palam, Kailash Gehlot, MLA-Bijwasan and Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Minister of State for Transport. On behalf of Dwarkaites, Dwarka City Newspaper urged the government to publicly release a clear and detailed route plan and timetable for the DEVI Bus Service, display route maps and schedules at all bus stops, conduct structured awareness campaigns through local and digital media and engage with RWAs, MWAs and active NGOs to reassess the actual requirement and viability of the service. Dwarka City Newspaper has since received an official acknowledgment from the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office, confirming that the issue has been formally taken note of at the highest level. The response stated that the communication had been received on the official email ID of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi and as the matter pertains to a department under the jurisdiction of the concerned Hon’ble Minister, it has been forwarded to the appropriate office for examination and necessary action.

Residents have welcomed this acknowledgment but stressed that timely and visible action is now crucial. A resident from Sector-5 commented that forwarding letters should translate into on-ground improvements, not just file movement. Another resident added that publishing route details and running awareness campaigns would immediately improve public response and ridership. Dwarka City Newspaper has welcomed the acknowledgement from the Chief Minister’s Office and expressed hope that it will result in swift and effective measures to make the DEVI Bus Service accessible, functional and beneficial for the public. Sinha reiterated that the newspaper’s objective is not criticism but constructive correction and that a well-planned and well-communicated internal bus service can significantly improve mobility and quality of life in Dwarka. As a responsible community newspaper, Dwarka City Newspaper reaffirmed its commitment to acting as the voice of Dwarkaites and stated that it will continue to pursue the issue in the larger public interest. The publication will closely monitor developments, engage with residents and keep the public informed of all further actions taken by the authorities regarding the DEVI Bus Service.

 In my representation, I recalled that the internal bus services introduced in Dwarka in the past were discontinued due to poor planning, inadequate public engagement and a lack of sustained monitoring. I cautioned that if corrective steps are not taken in a timely manner, the DEVI Bus Service may face the same fate. This could lead to wastage of public funds and erosion of public trust in future transport initiatives. I urge the authorities to ensure proper planning, active community involvement and continuous monitoring to make the DEVI Bus Service sustainable and beneficial for the residents of Dwarka.

Mukesh Sinha, Mg. Editor, Dwarka City

A detailed, metro station- wise survey or study should be conducted to understand the internal transport requirements of Dwarkaites during the day as well as during early morning and late-night hours, so that this service can deliver optimum benefits. Based on the findings of such a study, routes should be redesigned to match actual passenger demand and improve efficiency. Another serious concern is the exorbitant and arbitrary fares charged by e-rickshaw operators, which place an unfair financial burden on commuters. Authorities must regulate these rates and ensure affordability, transparency and proper monitoring for the convenience of the public.                        

TPS Deo, Sapna Ghar CGHS

The DEVI buses roam around in Dwarka all day with just a driver and a conductor. We rarely see any passengers using them. The purpose of starting these buses remains unclear, as there is no information about their routes, schedules or designated bus stops. Residents are left confused and inconvenienced. This entire operation appears to be a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money. Public funds should be used for services that genuinely benefit commuters. It is time for the concerned authorities to wake up, review this poorly planned system, ensure optimum utilisation and also take corrective action so that public transport serves its real purpose.                                                  

Dharmender, Jai Mata Kalyani

I suggest conducting a comprehensive station-wise survey to understand the transport needs of commuters during different time periods-daytime, early morning and late night. This study will help identify peak and off-peak travel patterns, gaps in first/last mile connectivity and specific requirements of residents. Based on the findings, routes can be redesigned and services optimized to ensure maximum benefit and convenience. This will improve reliability, reduce waiting times and ensure safe and efficient transport options, especially during late hours.

Ms. Abha Gurain

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