HomeLatestDEVI buses launched to boost city mobility

DEVI buses launched to boost city mobility

The city government launched 400 electric buses under the DEVI (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) scheme on Friday. Designed to replace nearly 700 decommissioned diesel buses that had surpassed their service life.

the DEVI initiative marks a decisive step toward improving last-mile connectivity while reinforcing the Capital’s broader sustainability agenda.Officials from the transport department confirmed that the newly introduced DEVI buses will primarily operate on routes from which ageing vehicles were recently phased out, following environmental compliance orders. These include narrower, interior streets often underserved by conventional 12-metre buses. While most of the new fleet consists of compact nine-metre buses, a select number of 12-metre models have been included to ensure seamless integration across the public transport grid.The buses will function as feeder services for larger Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) routes and Metro stations, covering an average 12-kilometre stretch each.

Initial operations will roll out from key depots in Ghazipur, Nangloi, and East Vinod Nagar, all of which are currently equipped to manage electric bus charging and maintenance infrastructure for around 100 vehicles.Each DEVI bus accommodates 23 seated and 13 standing passengers, including six seats exclusively reserved for women, showcasing a gender-inclusive approach to city mobility. Equipped with six battery packs totalling 196KW, each vehicle can travel more than 200 kilometres on a single charge—suitable for an entire day’s operation. The initiative also helps curb urban air pollution while enhancing transport equity across underserved localities.Notably, the bus network’s revival comes after delays triggered by the demise of Pope Francis, during which the city observed a three-day mourning period. The scheme, previously termed the Mohalla Bus Service, was envisioned by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government nearly two years ago as part of its master plan to introduce 2,180 compact electric buses by 2025.

Meanwhile, DTC has initiated efforts to monetise the service through advertising revenue. Bus body wraps for older CNG buses, many of which remain in operation until 2030, are being planned, with electric buses next in line. Officials revealed that a third-party agency will soon be onboarded to handle this campaign, as suggested in a recent CAG audit report tabled in the Delhi Assembly. The report highlighted the potential of advertisements on buses, queue shelters, and depots to significantly improve DTC’s non-fare revenue stream.
By augmenting Delhi’s electric fleet, the DEVI scheme not only bridges infrastructural gaps in high-density areas but also signals a larger transition toward low-carbon urban transport. While further route rationalisation and charging capacity upgrades are expected, the current launch underscores Delhi’s commitment to an equitable, green, and accessible future.

Also Read : Ajit Pawar Pushes Pune to Add 500 New Buses

DEVI buses launched to boost city mobility

 

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