The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step toward transforming the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal into a modern transport hub by constituting a Special Task Force (STF) dedicated to its beautification, redevelopment, and maintenance. Recognizing that the project involves multiple jurisdictions, the Court mandated a collaborative approach to ensure a comfortable experience for the thousands of passengers and tourists who frequent the terminal and the adjacent railway station daily.
A division bench of the Delhi High Court, while hearing a petition regarding vending activities in the Anand Vihar area, observed that a standalone effort by any single agency would be insufficient for the comprehensive redevelopment required. Consequently, the Court ordered the formation of an STF chaired by the Joint Secretary of the Urban Development Department and directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to submit a detailed architectural plan by May 26.
The matter originated from concerns regarding unregulated vending activities that have historically obstructed public movement around the terminal. In January, the Court had emphasized that the area deserved to be “properly re-planned, laid out, landscaped and tiled.” The bench noted that the current state of the terminal—characterized by disorganized hawking and a lack of modern amenities—did not meet the standards required for a major transit point. The Court’s vision includes the integration of shops, cafes, resting areas, and improved sanitation facilities.
Recognizing the complexity of the site, which serves as a nexus for buses, trains, and the metro, the Bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain directed that the STF include officials from a wide array of stakeholders:
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) – Deputy and Assistant Commissioners.
- Public Works Department (PWD).
- Delhi Transport Department.
- Indian Railways.
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
- National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
- Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
- Delhi Police – SHO of Patparganj Industrial Area.
The Court remarked that “the redevelopment of Anand Vihar Bus Terminal area could not be done by any particular agency on a standalone basis,” necessitating this unified task force.
In its order dated May 5, the High Court issued several specific directions to ensure the project moves beyond the conceptual stage:
- Architectural Vision: The PWD has been directed to engage a qualified architect to prepare a comprehensive plan. This must include detailed sketches and a 3D electronic representation of the proposed landscaping and beautification.
- Vending Regulation: Addressing the initial cause of the petition, the Court ordered that specific locations for authorized street vendors must be identified and earmarked. The goal is to ensure vending is carried out in a “clean and hygienic manner” without obstructing commuters.
- Enforcement: The Delhi Police have been instructed to ensure that no unauthorized vending takes place in the area while the redevelopment plan is being finalized.
- Timeline: The first meeting of the STF is scheduled for May 20. The final plan, approved by the task force, is to be presented to the Court on May 26.
The Court insisted that all involved authorities extend “full cooperation” to the STF to fulfill its mandate of formulating a comprehensive plan for the terminal’s development and long-term maintenance.
