On Tuesday, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena, flagged off 320 new electric buses, bringing the total number of such buses in the city to an impressive 1,970. This move is a major milestone in Delhi’s efforts to combat pollution and enhance public transport.
During the flag-off event held at Baansera, V.K. Saxena spoke about the importance of this addition. He said:
“We are introducing 320 electric buses to the city. These buses will provide relief to the people of Delhi. In the future, there are plans to add more such buses. I believe that enhancing public transport is essential for reducing pollution in Delhi, and this step is a move in that direction.”
Saxena also mentioned that the central and Delhi governments are working together to keep advancing this initiative.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, who also attended the event, highlighted Delhi’s remarkable achievement. He noted that Delhi has now become the first city in India and the third city in the world to have the highest number of electric buses. This is a big deal for the city and a step forward to reduce carbon emissions.
Later, at a press conference, Gahlot shared more details about the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet. He said:
“The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet now includes a total of 7,683 buses, comprising 1,970 electric buses and the rest CNG buses.”
This makes it the largest fleet in DTC’s history. Even during the Commonwealth Games, when the fleet had around 5,500 buses, it was smaller than it is now. Gahlot highlighted that the new buses will be stationed at three bus depots: Sukhdev Vihar, Kalkaji, and Naraina.
Delhi’s 2025 Electric Bus Vision
The new electric buses are more modern and accessible. They come equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons for safety. Additionally, they are friendly to differently abled individuals, making public transport more inclusive.
Gahlot also shared ambitious future plans. By the end of 2025, Delhi aims to have a total of 10,480 buses, with 80 per cent of them being electric. This is a significant goal that shows Delhi’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable transport.
Delhi’s latest addition of 320 electric buses is a major step towards reducing pollution and improving public transport. With these new buses, the Capital City is setting a high standard for cities worldwide to fight climate change. The city’s efforts will provide immediate relief to its Delhiites and pave the way for a greener future.
