New Delhi, June 8: The Delhi government is set to enhance the public transport network in the national capital by incorporating 2,800 air-conditioned low-floor pure electric buses under the Central Government’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-Drive) scheme.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced that the proposed fleet will consist of 1,400 nine-meter and 1,400 twelve-meter electric buses. This initiative aims to improve public transport accessibility across Delhi, particularly enhancing last-mile connectivity in underserved and remote areas.
Currently, Delhi operates approximately 4,300 electric buses, making it one of the largest electric bus fleets in the country. Minister Singh stated that the government aims to increase the number of electric buses to around 7,500 by the end of this year, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban mobility and clean public transport.
He emphasized that the proposed buses are designed to create a balanced fleet capable of meeting the needs of densely populated areas and neighborhood connectivity.
In the next phase of expansion, the Delhi government is also working to include an additional 3,330 electric buses under PM e-Drive Phase Two, which will feature 500 seven-meter-long electric buses. These buses will play a crucial role in strengthening feeder services and last-mile connectivity throughout the city, enhancing the overall bus network and improving public transport access in residential, rural, and underserved areas.
The Transport Minister noted that under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership, the Delhi government is consistently taking steps to modernize public transport infrastructure, enhance passenger experience, and promote environmentally friendly transportation options.
He further mentioned that alongside the inclusion of the proposed electric buses, necessary charging and power arrangements will be made at bus depots to facilitate large-scale electrification of the fleet.
Minister Singh expressed optimism that this initiative will significantly contribute to reducing vehicle emissions, improving air quality, and providing Delhi residents with a cleaner, safer, and more reliable public transport system.
He added that through continuous investment in electric mobility, the Delhi government is committed to creating a future-ready transport system aligned with national sustainable development goals.
The PM e-Drive scheme, with an approved financial outlay of ₹10,900 crores, became effective on October 1, 2024. A statement noted that its primary objective is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), establish charging infrastructure, and build a robust EV manufacturing system in the country.
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