The introduction of Dwarka Circular Sewa in the Dwarka sub city has found few takers as residents want a more dependable and cheaper transport options.
Heeding to the long standing and persistent demand from the residents of Dwarka to have an intra sector but service, DTC recently launched Dwarka Circular Sewa connecting a number of sectors and the vrious Metro stations dotting the sub-city. It has been about a fornight since the service has been introduced. Has this facility made a significant difference in easing the transport problems of residents? Yes and no. There has been mixed reactions in the first few days that the buses have been in operation. While many have welcomed the move tht is bound to give residents an option of leaving their vehicles behind, Dwarkaites also feel that it will take care of the problems related to parking. "For going to the local market to shop for our daily needs we had either to take out our vehicle or depend on the skeletal cycle rickshaws. Either way it was fraught with problems, of parking the vehicle or haggling with the rickshaws if we found one. It was an onerous taks even to step out. Travelling in Dwarka has become convenient especially for ladies and senior citizens who do not drive.
My family and I have undertaken a test ride, rather a joy ride on this service last Sunday. We found it to be a boon for the commuters, as it connects various points in Dwarka, but due to lack of awareness and publicity, service remains underutilised, says one of the person from Sector 19. Most residents are still unaware of the route of the buses and the time of the bus. People observed that even the drivers and conductors lack the knowledge of the area and can identify only the major point, so confusion prevails. Sareen suggests that a permanent counter should be made at the depot with one phone number to satisfy the queries of the residents. The routes should be properly written on the bus itself. Few residents complain that the bus do not come at fixed time so that should be taken care of. Besides, few areas are still left out.
Dwarka lacked internal transport facility and thanks to the errofts of Dwarka Forum, the AC buses have undoubtedly tried to cover a maximum area. However some sectors like 13 and 14 and 17 are not covered. These sectors are densely populated and lack proper transport The rickshaw takes Rs 40 to go to Sector 6 market. Our problem remains unsolved," says V.S.Bisht, president, RWA DDA Flats, sector 14. Surprisingly the bus does not cover sector 6 and 10 market. Coming towards market from Sector 7 it takes a left turn from Godrej CGHS towards Golok Dham.
There are a few residents who are not sure if this is a viable option. "It is true that Dwarka lacked proper internal transport but how fewsible is it to launch the A buses? It would have been more practical to have mini buses with normal fares or even a flat fare. While well to do families will still take out their cars and not wait for the buses, others like housemaids, even students would have preferred cheaper but dependable transport options.
