Rekha Gupta Revives Bus Service Catering to Delhi University Scholars Again
The Delhi government has relaunched the much-loved U-Special bus service, specifically designed for students of Delhi University (DU), aiming to provide a student-friendly, accessible, and comfortable commute option. Originally discontinued in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown, these buses are now back with modern upgrades such as air-conditioning, LED lighting, and onboard music systems to enhance the travel experience [1][2][3][4][5].
The revived fleet aims to be a safer, more comfortable, and dignified transport mode for students, especially those from economically weaker sections [3][5]. The service was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on August 4, 2025, during the inauguration of a new academic block at DU's Social Centre School in Maurice Nagar [1][2][3][4][5].
Routes and Timings
These buses will operate on routes covering major DU campuses (North and South Campus) and other key neighborhoods from where students commute, such as Rohini, Janakpuri, Mayur Vihar, Dwarka, and areas connected via the North Campus metro route. The precise, official routes have been designed keeping student convenience in mind but have not been fully detailed in announcements [2][3]. Historically, the U-Special buses ran with limited stops for faster travel, mainly from the Patel Chest Institute on North Campus and various locations across Delhi to both campuses [3].
The specific timings or frequency of the youth special buses have not been explicitly provided in the available sources. However, the service is expected to meet typical student commuting hours to and from classes.
A Step Towards Educational Outreach
In addition to the relaunch of the youth special bus service, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta proposed a new mentorship initiative encouraging Delhi University colleges to adopt government schools, promoting educational outreach and community learning [1][4][5]. This initiative is part of the Delhi government's priority for the democratization of education, as emphasized by Education Minister Ashish Sood [1][2].
Ashish Sood, the Education Minister, expressed nostalgia about his time at Delhi University, and Yogesh Singh, the DU Vice-Chancellor, encouraged students to adopt a solution-oriented mindset and a more value-driven approach to learning, focusing on country-centric students, not self-centric [1][2][4].
The new academy block was built in 21 months at a cost of Rs 21 crore, and the relaunch of the youth special bus service is considered a gift by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to students.
In summary, the youth special bus service for DU students has been relaunched with enhanced features on traditional routes connecting major student hubs, aiming to provide a fast, comfortable, and safe mode of transport for the university community. Precise timetable details remain to be officially released.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/du-students-to-get-youth-special-buses-again/article65441848.ece [2] https://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-delhi-university-students-to-get-youth-special-buses-again-2968989 [3] https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/du-students-to-get-youth-special-buses-again-1891766-2025-08-05 [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-urges-du-colleges-to-adopt-government-schools-for-mentorship/article65447703.ece [5] https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-urges-du-colleges-to-adopt-government-schools-for-mentorship-125-1688275614-bs-bs.html
- The relaunch of the youth special bus service for DU students is not just a step towards providing a comfortable mode of transport, but also an initiative aimed at democratizing education, as proposed by Education Minister Ashish Sood.
- Amidst the announced initiative to enhance transportation for students and the proposed mentorship program by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, discussions on political and general news outlets have emphasized the importance of education and self-development in the broader context of community and country.
