Delhi government is set to enhance regional connectivity by deploying 100 electric inter-state buses across 17 key routes. These routes will link the national capital with prominent destinations such as Haridwar, Ayodhya, Rishikesh, Meerut, and Baghpat, covering distances between 250 and 300 kilometres. The initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable urban transport aligned with Delhi’s clean and green vision.
The decision emerged from a recent Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) board meeting, reflecting a renewed focus on eco-friendly transit options. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh emphasised that the electric buses will not only boost connectivity but also contribute to reducing Delhi’s pollution levels. Importantly, the buses will be operated by existing DTC drivers, ensuring seamless integration with current operations and optimising workforce utilisation. This electric bus rollout supports the government’s “Viksit Sankalp Patra” strategy, designed to foster sustainable and equitable mobility across the National Capital Region (NCR). The inclusion of pilgrimage destinations underscores the plan’s sensitivity to cultural and religious travel demands, while the introduction of electric vehicles signals a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance transport.
Historically, DTC operated conventional buses to neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. However, interstate services dwindled after 2001 when the fleet shifted to CNG buses, which posed challenges in regions lacking widespread CNG infrastructure. By 2010, long-distance operations had contracted mostly to the NCR due to the limited 250-kilometre range of CNG buses per fill. According to officials, commuters have traditionally favoured DTC’s interstate buses for their reliability and coverage, connecting Delhi to cities including Jaipur, Chandigarh, Udaipur, Shimla, and Haridwar. The planned electric bus network aims to reclaim this comprehensive reach with a cleaner, more efficient fleet. Alongside fleet expansion, the DTC board discussed strategies to enhance non-fare revenue, primarily through bus advertisements. The current plan targets an annual advertising revenue of Rs 5 crore, with efforts underway to increase ad coverage, signalling a drive for financial sustainability alongside environmental goals.
As cities worldwide grapple with air pollution and climate change, Delhi’s electric inter-state bus initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to greener urban transport. It addresses mobility challenges with an eye on reducing emissions, supporting public health, and improving access to vital economic and cultural hubs. The success of this ambitious plan hinges on effective implementation and sustained stakeholder engagement, particularly as electric vehicle infrastructure and operations scale. If well-executed, Delhi’s electric bus network could serve as a model for other metropolitan regions pursuing low-carbon, equitable transit solutions.
Also Read : Delhi Runway Upgrade To Cancel 114 Flights Daily
