The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its fleet to 7,683 buses, the highest in its history. This development aligns with Delhi’s ambitious goal of achieving 80% electric buses by 2025, aiming for a total fleet of 10,480 buses. On Tuesday, Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena flagged off 320 electric buses, increasing the city’s electric bus count to 1,970.
During the flag-off event at Baansera, Saxena emphasised the importance of these additions in combating pollution and strengthening public transport. “We are launching 320 electric buses. These will provide relief to the people of Delhi. There are plans to add more such buses. I feel that if pollution needs to be reduced in Delhi, public transport needs to be strengthened and this is a step in that direction,” he said. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, who was also present, termed this an “important milestone.” Gahlot highlighted that Delhi now has the highest number of electric buses in India and the third highest globally. He noted that the DTC fleet, which now consists of 7,683 buses, surpasses the previous high of 5,500 buses during the Commonwealth Games. “This is the highest number of buses in the DTC’s fleet. Even at the time of the Commonwealth Games, the fleet consisted of 5,500 buses. It is an important milestone,” he said.
The DTC currently operates 4,536 buses, including 2,966 CNG and 1,570 electric buses. The Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System operates an additional 3,147 buses, comprising 2,747 CNG and 400 electric buses. Since January 2022, Delhi has operated 1,650 electric buses, which have collectively travelled over 112 million kilometres and saved more than 91,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Globally, Delhi’s electric bus fleet ranks second only to Chinese cities, with Santiago, Chile, leading with 2,267 electric buses. The new buses will be stationed at depots in Sukhdev Vihar, Kalkaji, and Naraina. Gahlot expressed pride in Delhi’s leadership in electric buses and reiterated the commitment to further expanding the fleet. “We are proud to have the highest number of electric buses in any Indian city and are dedicated to further expanding this fleet,” he said.
The new buses, equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons, are designed to be differently-abled friendly. The introduction of these buses has enabled Delhi to achieve its target of having 25% electric buses in its fleet. “The induction of these buses means that we have achieved a target of having 25 per cent electric buses in the fleet,” Gahlot said.
Looking ahead, Delhi aims to have 10,480 buses by 2025, with 80% being electric. This significant expansion underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport solutions. The ongoing collaboration between the central and Delhi governments is pivotal in achieving these targets and addressing the city’s pollution challenges. As Delhi continues to enhance its public transport infrastructure, the focus remains on providing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly travel options for its residents.
