New Delhi, 18 July (H.S.): The Delhi government has decided to add 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses to the national capital’s public transport fleet under the first phase of the PM E-Drive scheme. These buses are expected to begin operations on Delhi roads from next year.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a statement issued on Saturday, said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Delhi government is strengthening public transportation and expanding the network of electric buses. She said the government aims to increase the city’s public transport fleet to nearly 14,000 buses by 2028-29. The decision to induct the new buses was recently approved by the Delhi Cabinet.

The Chief Minister said the addition of 2,800 zero-emission electric buses would help improve Delhi’s air quality while providing citizens with more convenient, modern and sustainable public transport facilities. She informed that the fleet would include 1,400 buses measuring 12 metres in length and 1,400 buses measuring 9 metres.

The 9-metre buses will be particularly useful for operating on narrow roads and in rural areas. Their deployment will help extend public transport services beyond major routes, improve last-mile connectivity and provide better commuting options for passengers.

According to details shared by the Delhi Cabinet, the government had last year communicated its requirement for 2,800 electric buses to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). Later, based on operational experience gained from Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) buses, the requirement was revised, leading to the decision to procure an equal number of 12-metre and 9-metre buses.

CESL conducted a nationwide competitive tendering process for the induction of the 2,800 buses, which is expected to ensure their operation at competitive rates.

Under Phase-I of the PM E-Drive scheme, government financial assistance of up to Rs 35 lakh per 12-metre electric bus and up to Rs 25 lakh per 9-metre electric bus has been provided for the project.

The 2,800 electric buses will be added to Delhi’s public transport fleet under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model and will operate according to the prescribed service arrangements. All these buses will be operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), with the operation and service agreement under the GCC model set for a period of 12 years.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government aims to introduce these modern electric buses on Delhi roads from April next year, with the entire fleet expected to become part of the capital’s public transport system by August 2028.

For efficient operation and improved route planning, bus routes will be rationalised and redesigned in collaboration with IIT Delhi. She said the initiative would ensure more effective deployment of the expanded electric bus fleet.

The use of Bus Management Systems (BMS) and Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) will further improve monitoring, management and ticketing services, making public transport operations more efficient and passenger-friendly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar