New Delhi: Delhi pushed its clean mobility drive into a higher gear with the rollout of nearly 500 new electric buses, taking the capital’s e-bus fleet beyond the 4,000 mark, the largest in the country. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the new buses and also inaugurated an inter-state electric bus service connecting Delhi with Panipat, signalling an expanded vision for sustainable public transport.
The newly added buses, fully air-conditioned and fitted with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and modern commuter amenities, are expected to strengthen high-demand routes within the city while easing pressure on ageing diesel fleets. Officials said the expansion would significantly improve frequency and reliability, especially during peak hours.
A key highlight of the rollout was the launch of the Delhi–Panipat electric bus service, aimed at daily commuters and workers travelling across the NCR and Haryana. The route, covering major transit points including the Singhu border and industrial clusters en route, is expected to offer a cleaner and cost-effective alternative to private vehicles.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister said the government was committed to making public transport the first choice for citizens by combining scale, comfort and sustainability. She reiterated that the city plans to rapidly expand its electric bus network, with a target of 7,500 e-buses in the next phase and an ambitious goal of 14,000 by 2028.
Transport department officials said the expansion is part of a broader push that includes strengthening charging infrastructure, upgrading depots and rolling out a comprehensive electric vehicle policy. The focus, they added, is not just on reducing emissions but also on offering safer, more accessible and commuter-friendly travel options.
With pollution and congestion remaining major challenges, the growing electric bus fleet is being seen as a cornerstone of Delhi’s long-term urban mobility strategy, positioning the capital as a national leader in the transition to clean public transport.
BI Bureau
