Kamal Ghorui
Delhi has further strengthened its public transport system with the addition of 500 new electric buses. With this latest induction, the Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC) electric bus fleet has crossed the 4,000-mark, making the national capital home to the largest e-bus fleet in the country, reported PTI.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the new buses on Sunday, calling it a landmark moment for Delhi. She said this was the first time that as many as 500 electric buses had been added to the city’s public transport network at one go. According to her, the milestone firmly establishes Delhi as the leading state in India when it comes to electric buses.The newly inducted buses are low-floor and fully air-conditioned, and come equipped with modern safety features such as panic buttons. Gupta said these buses will not only improve connectivity across the city but also play a key role in reducing air pollution while offering commuters a safer and more comfortable travel experience. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh also announced the launch of a new electric bus route connecting Delhi and Panipat.
Highlighting the government’s long-term plans, the chief minister said Delhi aims to expand its electric bus fleet to 7,500 buses by the end of 2026. The target is even more ambitious for the future, with plans to scale the fleet up to 14,000 electric buses by 2028.Gupta noted that the rapid addition of electric buses over the past year has already delivered visible benefits. She said the growing e-bus fleet has helped cut pollution levels while giving residents an affordable and reliable alternative to private transport.She said last-mile connectivity remains a key focus area, and the government has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Bharat Taxi to address this. Inputs from PTI.
