Delhi’s Green Leap: 400 Electric Buses Flagged Off Under DEVi Scheme
In a significant stride towards sustainable urban mobility, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) scheme on May 2, 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal move in the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing public transport infrastructure.
Delhi’s Green Leap: 400 Electric Buses Flagged Off Under DEVi Scheme
Expansion of Delhi’s Electric Bus Fleet
With the addition of these 400 electric buses, Delhi’s fleet now comprises 7,135 buses, including 800 electric buses. The city aims to increase this number to 1,900 by the end of 2023 and to over 8,000 by 2025, making it one of the cities with the highest number of electric buses globally. This expansion is projected to save approximately 4.67 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing to a greener and cleaner Delhi .
Key Features of the New Electric Buses
The newly launched electric buses are equipped with several features aimed at enhancing passenger experience and safety:
- Accessibility: Each bus offers seating for 23 passengers, with six seats reserved for women, and space for 13 standing commuters.
- Safety and Technology: The buses are equipped with an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) that includes GPS tracking, real-time route displays, automatic passenger counters, voice announcements, and CCTV surveillance.
- Comfort and Inclusivity: Features such as panic buttons, wheelchair ramps, and knee-down mechanisms ensure accessibility and comfort for all passengers .
Affordable and Inclusive Fare Structure
The fare structure for the new electric buses is designed to be affordable and inclusive:
- Ticket Fares: Ticket fares range between Rs 10 and Rs 25, making it accessible for daily commuters.
- Women’s Free Travel: Women passengers can travel for free, promoting gender equality in public transport.
- Regular Service: Buses are expected to run every 10 minutes, offering a regular and reliable mode of transport for thousands of daily riders.
Infrastructure Development and Future Plans
To support the growing fleet of electric buses, the Delhi government is investing in infrastructure development:
- Depot Electrification: The government has allocated more than Rs 1,500 crore for the electrification of 70 depots, with eight depots fully operational to accommodate over 8,000 electric buses by 2025 .
- Future Expansion: Plans are underway to add 2,080 more electric buses under the DEVi scheme this year, further strengthening the city’s commitment to sustainable transport.
Conclusion
The launch of 400 electric buses under the DEVi scheme is a significant milestone in Delhi’s journey towards sustainable urban mobility. With a focus on accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability, this initiative aims to transform public transport in the city, making it cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive. As Delhi continues to expand its electric bus fleet, it sets a benchmark for other cities to follow in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility solutions.