Delhi deploys 2,947 bus marshals and 56 women-only buses across public transport network

Delhi has stationed nearly 3,000 bus marshals across its public bus fleet and introduced 56 dedicated buses for women, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Saturday.

The deployment places 2,947 marshals aboard Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses alongside a fleet of 56 special services. Fifteen of those special buses run during the evening shift, carrying armed women police personnel after 5 pm to safeguard commuters after dark.

Every vehicle in the system is linked to a centralised Bus Management System, Gupta said in a statement. The setup feeds live closed-circuit television footage, panic button alerts and GPS coordinates directly to a round-the-clock control room.

"The Delhi government is strengthening systems to ensure that women receive prompt assistance during a crisis, working women have access to essential facilities and every child gets the opportunity to learn, progress and develop their abilities in a safe environment," Gupta said.

Hostels, schools and child welfare

Beyond public transit, the administration is expanding municipal infrastructure for women and children. The Department of Women and Child Development plans to open new accommodation for working women in Vishwas Nagar and Rohini.

For child protection, statutory oversight remains anchored by Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards. Sub-divisional magistrates across the capital have been designated as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to curb underage marriages.

Security has also been ramped up on school premises. Around 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras are now installed in classrooms and corridors, while 1,397 schools run self-defence courses under the Rani Lakshmibai Self-Defence Training Programme.

Street surveillance and complaint channels

Public Works Department roads across Delhi now have 96,000 streetlights, according to government figures. That tally comprises 51,000 LED lights and 45,000 high-pressure sodium vapour lamps intended to eliminate dark stretches.

The department also oversees 2,53,983 operational CCTV cameras across public spaces. Residents can report faulty lighting or local infrastructure issues through the PWD Seva Portal or by calling the toll-free number 1908. Women in distress can continue to reach emergency support via the 181 helpline.

The administration has not said how much the expanded deployment will cost or whether further routes will be added to the women-only bus timetable in coming months.