The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi is poised to launch the much-anticipated Mohalla bus service by the end of this month. This initiative, spearheaded by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, aims to provide efficient last-mile connectivity across the city’s internal roads. Designed to complement the existing Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster services, the Mohalla buses will focus on shorter routes that are currently underserved.
In a recent inspection at the Dwarka depot, Gahlot highlighted the readiness of the project, which is set to operate 2,180 buses by 2025. The buses, which feature a distinct green colour for easy identification, will have 23 passenger seats, with six of these seats reserved for women. This reservation aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity in public transport. Women passengers will also benefit from free rides on these buses through the use of pink passes. The Mohalla buses are equipped with 196kW batteries, offering a range of 120-130 kilometres per charge. This capability allows each bus to complete 10-15 round trips on a single charge, ensuring high operational efficiency. The Delhi government is procuring 2,080 of these buses from two manufacturers, with the initial batch expected to start operations from the Ghazipur and East Vinod Nagar depots. The fleet will gradually expand, with plans to deploy the buses across 16 identified depots in the north, south, east, and west zones of the city.
Gahlot elaborated on the strategic importance of the Mohalla bus service, describing it as a neighbourhood feeder network that will enhance connectivity in areas not covered by the larger 12-metre buses of the DTC and Cluster services. He noted that the routes have been divided into four zones, and final route planning is underway to ensure optimal coverage. The largest of the depots, Kushak Nallah in the south zone, spans 10.5 acres and will accommodate up to 350 buses. Another significant depot in the south zone, Ambedkar Nagar, will house 180 buses. The phased rollout will begin with 50 nine-metre electric buses, with a gradual increase in numbers to meet the projected target.
By 2025, Delhi aims to have a total of 10,480 buses in operation, with 80% of these being electric. This ambitious plan is part of a broader effort to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and enhance sustainable urban mobility. Currently, over four million bus trips are made daily by commuters in Delhi, utilising 7,582 DTC and Cluster buses. Experts from the International Council of Clean Transport (ICCT), who have been involved in the planning and consultation process, believe the Mohalla bus service could significantly transform public transportation in Delhi. By catering to the specific needs of local communities, this initiative is expected to streamline last-mile connectivity and contribute to the overall development of the city’s transport infrastructure. The Mohalla bus service represents a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility, leveraging the flexibility of bus transport to address the challenges of last-mile connectivity. As Delhi prepares to launch this innovative service, the focus remains on delivering a reliable, inclusive, and sustainable public transport solution for its residents.
