New Delhi: The Delhi government will “turn around” the public transporter DTC and ma-ke it a “world class” body in the next two years, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday.

Citing his government’s “success” in improving schools and “widely appreciated” mohalla clinics, Mr Kejriwal said the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be developed into the world’s “most modern” transport body and will be a source of pride for the people.

“We will develop the DTC into a world class transport organisation with the help of its employees,” he said at the annual road safety award function.

Talking about his government’s approval to implement 7th Pay Commission recommendations for DTC employees, he raised the issue of full statehood to Delhi.

“We plan to complete all the works but it will take time. There are many obstacles and we have to struggle a lot. This is mainly because Delhi lacks full statehood,” he said. Mr Kejriwal assured DTC employees that the issue of dearness allowance will be settled “soon”. He also supported the demand for travelling allowance to the serving, and medical facilities to the retired DTC employees.

Speaking ahead of Mr Kejriwal, transport minister Kailash Gahlot urged him to extend TA and medical benefits to DTC employees. He also thanked Kejriwal for permitting 1,000 new buses and added the decision will be approved by the Cabinet next week.