Delhi Government is considering to levy "transport cess" on the sale of every alcohol bottle for the improvement of public transport sector in the national Capital.
"Government is considering to levy Rs 1 or 2 as transport cess on the sale of every alcohol bottle in Delhi. The money collected will be used to improve public transport sector and tackle problems of increasing pollutions as well in the national Capital," said a senior Delhi Government official.
He also said that it would help in improving transport facilities in the city, adding that the final decision to introduce such a cess is with Lieutenant Governor. He said a special cess on sale of alochol bottle was a "good idea".
At present, the number of DTC and cluster buses are very less compared to the population of the city which often results in poor facilities for the commuters.
There is a demand of 11,000 buses in Delhi and as per an agreement between DTC and DIMTS, both have to run 5,500 buses each in the national capital.
DTC currently operates around 5000 buses, while DIMTS has only 1,157 buses - 4,343 less than required number of 5,500 buses.
"If we levies Rs 1 or 2 on the sale of every liquor bottle which will generate more funds to purchase buses and improve facilities at bus shelters," he said.
According to excise department, this proposal has not come to them so far. "We have not got such a proposal so far. If it is sent to us by the Government, we will then pass it. However, L-G has to take a final call on this matter," said a senior excise official.
