Financial Struggles and Operational Challenges of Delhi Transport Corporation Unveiled

The Delhi Transport Corporation's liabilities soared and operational losses exceeded Rs 14,000 crore from 2015 to 2022, reveals a CAG report. The report criticizes DTC for lacking key strategic plans and facing setbacks like fleet reduction, delayed electric bus procurement, and underperforming operations.

The Delhi Transport Corporation's (DTC) financial liabilities have reached alarming levels, rising from Rs 28,263 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 65,274 crore in 2021-22, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled in the Assembly. The corporation faced operational losses exceeding Rs 14,000 crore during the same period.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the report in the Assembly, drawing attention to the absence of any Business or Perspective Plan by DTC. The public transport entity failed to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the state government to set financial and operational targets, the report stated. It also criticized DTC for the absence of studies on profitability and sustainability despite enduring continuous losses.

The report further unfolds the challenges faced by DTC, including fleet reduction from 4,344 to 3,937 buses from 2015 to 2023. Despite funds, only 300 electric buses were procured between 2021-23. Operational metrics like fleet utilization and vehicle productivity were below the national average, and the number of overage buses significantly increased. Projects like the Automatic Fare Collection System were stalled, impacting revenue.

(With inputs from agencies.)