Safe, Smart, and Green, Delhi Re-Launches New U-Special Buses for University Students
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In a move hailed as a lifeline for students, Delhi 's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta , has officially relaunched the legendary University Special (U-Special) bus service. The initiative, suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, brings back a popular transport option for college and university students. The new service features a modern fleet of 25 electric buses , promising a safer, more eco-friendly, and convenient commute. Speaking at the inauguration, Gupta reminisced about her own student days, emphasising the personal connection she has with the service.
The relaunched U-Special bus service introduces a fleet of 25 electric vehicles, marking a significant upgrade from its earlier iterations. These buses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including air conditioning, CCTV cameras, panic buttons for safety, and music systems featuring a live radio channel-a first for Delhi NCR. The service also includes passenger engagement through QR codes and WhatsApp, alongside platforms for government messages and social campaigns. Women can travel for free, while male students can use their DTC-issued student bus passes, making the service accessible and inclusive.
The U-Special buses are designed to cater to students’ needs, with routes carefully planned to connect major educational institutions and residential areas. Key routes include Narela to Patel Chest, Najafgarh to Aurobindo College, Purnachandra Hostel to Ramjas College, and Rithala Metro to Aditi College, among others. The schedules are aligned with college timings to ensure maximum convenience, allowing students to travel seamlessly between campuses, metro stations, and surrounding localities. With plans to expand the fleet and routes based on student demand, the initiative aims to provide a reliable transport solution.
A Nostalgic Yet Forward-Looking Initiative
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reflected on her own experiences as a DU student, saying, “These buses used to relieve all the stress of the day. They ran on time, ensuring we reached college and home without fail. There was a different joy of sitting on the steps of U-special buses and enjoying the breeze.” She contrasted her government’s proactive approach with the “U-turn governments” of the past, stating, “Ours is a forward-gear government.” Gupta also shared a heartfelt moment from her visit to her alma mater, Daulat Ram College, noting, “Daulat Ram is much more than just walls and classrooms for me. It is a feeling that shaped my thinking, gave direction to my dreams, and provided my life with a purpose.”
A Celebration of Student Life
The relaunch event was a vibrant affair, with Gupta joining students on a bus ride to Daulat Ram College, accompanied by live music from guitars and percussion instruments. Sharing a video on X, she wrote, “College, dosti aur guitar... laut aayi hai U-Special (College, friendship, and guitar... U-Special has returned).” The initiative, attended by dignitaries like MP Manoj Tiwari, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, and MLA Surya Prakash Khatri, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing student life through safe, modern, and sustainable transport solutions.
A Modern Revival of U-Special Buses
The relaunched U-Special bus service introduces a fleet of 25 electric vehicles, marking a significant upgrade from its earlier iterations. These buses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including air conditioning, CCTV cameras, panic buttons for safety, and music systems featuring a live radio channel-a first for Delhi NCR. The service also includes passenger engagement through QR codes and WhatsApp, alongside platforms for government messages and social campaigns. Women can travel for free, while male students can use their DTC-issued student bus passes, making the service accessible and inclusive.
Strategic Routes and Student-Centric Schedules
The U-Special buses are designed to cater to students’ needs, with routes carefully planned to connect major educational institutions and residential areas. Key routes include Narela to Patel Chest, Najafgarh to Aurobindo College, Purnachandra Hostel to Ramjas College, and Rithala Metro to Aditi College, among others. The schedules are aligned with college timings to ensure maximum convenience, allowing students to travel seamlessly between campuses, metro stations, and surrounding localities. With plans to expand the fleet and routes based on student demand, the initiative aims to provide a reliable transport solution.
A Nostalgic Yet Forward-Looking Initiative
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reflected on her own experiences as a DU student, saying, “These buses used to relieve all the stress of the day. They ran on time, ensuring we reached college and home without fail. There was a different joy of sitting on the steps of U-special buses and enjoying the breeze.” She contrasted her government’s proactive approach with the “U-turn governments” of the past, stating, “Ours is a forward-gear government.” Gupta also shared a heartfelt moment from her visit to her alma mater, Daulat Ram College, noting, “Daulat Ram is much more than just walls and classrooms for me. It is a feeling that shaped my thinking, gave direction to my dreams, and provided my life with a purpose.”
A Celebration of Student Life
The relaunch event was a vibrant affair, with Gupta joining students on a bus ride to Daulat Ram College, accompanied by live music from guitars and percussion instruments. Sharing a video on X, she wrote, “College, dosti aur guitar... laut aayi hai U-Special (College, friendship, and guitar... U-Special has returned).” The initiative, attended by dignitaries like MP Manoj Tiwari, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, and MLA Surya Prakash Khatri, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing student life through safe, modern, and sustainable transport solutions.
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