New Delhi, April 17
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 200 electric buses from the East Vinod Nagar Depot, taking the total number of electric buses in the city’s public transport fleet to 4,550 as part of the government’s push to transition to cleaner mobility.
Addressing the event, Gupta said the government is working in mission mode to fully convert Delhi’s public transport system to electric vehicles, aiming to reach 7,000 electric buses by the end of 2026. She said the objective is to improve connectivity, ensure a cleaner environment, and provide modern transport facilities for residents.
A significant number of the newly introduced buses are part of the ‘Devi’ category, which are designed to operate in narrow lanes and improve last-mile connectivity in densely populated areas.
The chief minister also flagged off an interstate bus service between Delhi and Rohtak to strengthen regional connectivity. In addition, she inaugurated the Madanpur Khadar bus terminal and a new administrative building at the East Vinod Nagar Depot.
Gupta said the new facility is equipped with a biometric system and health check-up arrangements for drivers to ensure safer operations and reduce the risk of accidents.
Highlighting the government’s broader electric mobility plans, she said a budget of Rs 4,000 crore has been allocated over the next four years to promote sustainable transport. The plan includes incentives such as road tax exemptions for private electric vehicles and a phased transition of school buses and commercial vehicles to electric.
She also announced that a large-scale EV battery disposal plant will be set up in Holambi Kalan to ensure scientific handling of battery waste and to minimize environmental impact.
The government said these measures are aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of air pollution in the national capital while strengthening public transport infrastructure.
