From correspondents in Delhi, India, 12:00 AM IST

The Delhi government Tuesday launched a new fleet of low-floor eco-friendly buses to reduce air pollution and strengthen the public transport system.

Launching the fleet of 12 green low-floor buses, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said: 'A dream has been fulfilled today with the introduction of modern low floor buses. It would change the scenario of public transport in Delhi.'

'We are going to add 525 such buses to the fleet of DTC of which 25 would be air-conditioned with red colour. The government is committed to double the number of CNG buses in Delhi within two years, which would raise the number of such buses from 3,000 to 6,100.

'This would result in 18,000 new opportunities of employment,' Dikshit told reporters after flagging off the fleet.

She exhorted the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to offer a substantial number of posts of drivers and conductors to women.

'The DTC is all set to give a facelift to the existing bus shelters and at least 1,200 attractive shelters would be ready by 2008,' she said.

The chief minister emphasised the importance of modernising and expanding the DTC fleet.

'An efficient, reliable and comfortable bus system in Delhi will encourage citizens to opt for public transport in place of private cars and scooters. Shift of commuters to public transport is essential for not only reducing the environmental and air pollution but also for easing traffic congestion and reducing accident rates,' she said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)