New Delhi, Dec 26 (UNI) The Delhi government is banking on shared transport and electric mobility as key pillars of its strategy to curb air pollution and ease traffic congestion in the Capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday.
Addressing the issue, Gupta said controlling pollution is not possible without reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. Keeping this in mind, the government is working on multi-level reforms in the transport sector, with a clear focus on promoting shared rides and electric vehicles.
The Chief Minister said the government’s transport policy aims to ensure that fewer vehicles can carry more passengers without compromising on convenience. “The idea is to reduce road congestion while making daily travel smoother and more affordable for people,” she said.
As part of these efforts, the Delhi government is planning a special meeting with transportation network companies such as Ola and Uber to improve passenger services. The discussions will focus on reviving shared taxi services that were discontinued after the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the number of women drivers, and encouraging environment-friendly operations.
Gupta said the government is in continuous dialogue with app-based taxi aggregators and expects them to prioritise shared rides, expand women’s participation as drivers, and explore the integration of private electric vehicles into taxi services.
“Shared taxis can help reduce the number of cars on the road while offering affordable options to commuters,” she said.
Alongside mobility reforms, the government is strengthening its vehicle fitness monitoring system to ensure that no polluting vehicle operates in the city. Gupta said the automated commercial vehicle fitness testing centre at Jhuljhuli is already functional and tests around 70,000 vehicles every year, while the facility at Burari is being upgraded.
She added that two more automated fitness centres at Nand Nagri and Tehkhand are expected to become operational by March next year. Once functional, these four centres together will be able to conduct fitness tests for nearly 2.5 to 3 lakh commercial vehicles annually.
The Chief Minister also announced that five additional automated fitness testing stations will be set up at DTC depots in Bawana, Ghazipur, Savda Ghevra, GTK Depot and Dichau Kalan. All necessary approvals for these facilities have already been granted.
Referring to various studies, Gupta said vehicular emissions are a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution. To address this, the government is investing heavily in public transport, with metro rail, buses and electric mobility forming the backbone of its long-term transport policy.
She noted that certain corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-5A have received in-principle approval from the Centre, paving the way for further expansion of the metro network. “This will significantly reduce pressure on roads and offer a sustainable solution to traffic and pollution,” she said.
Gupta stressed that air pollution cannot be controlled through short-term measures alone. The government, she said, is working on sustained and coordinated long-term solutions. Apart from transport reforms, steps such as dust control, strict monitoring of construction sites, mechanical road cleaning, prevention of open burning, and deployment of mist sprays and anti-smog guns in pollution hotspots are being implemented.
“All departments are on alert mode and working in close coordination to ensure comprehensive action against pollution,” the Chief Minister said.
