New Delhi, 20 March (H.S.): Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 300 new electric buses from the Indraprastha bus depot, simultaneously launching the Nanak Sar–Ghaziabad interstate e‑bus service, laying the foundation stone for the new Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) headquarters building, and inaugurating an EV incentive portal.

The state government also announced the direct transfer of over ₹24 crore via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to 12,877 EV subsidy beneficiaries.

Addressing the gathering at the depot, CM Rekha Gupta said these initiatives mark a decisive step toward building a clean, affordable, safe and future‑ready public transport system for Delhi. She emphasized that green mobility would not only cut pollution but also make daily commutes easier and more comfortable for residents.

The Chief Minister highlighted that under the previous administrations, DTC had slipped into deep financial losses and systemic inefficiencies, but the current government’s reforms have set it on a path toward operational transparency and financial balance.Rekha Gupta listed several key infrastructural moves—modernisation of bus depots, redevelopment of ISBTs, setting up an automated testing station, strengthening the Pollution Under Control (PUC) regime, and beginning work on a new multi‑storey DTC headquarters—as part of this turnaround.

She also noted that the government is honouring past financial commitments, including clearing dues inherited from earlier regimes.

On the EV‑subsidy front, the CM pointed out that previous schemes had often failed to deliver timely benefits to consumers. The present administration has now sped up the process and directly credited about ₹24 crore to the accounts of more than 12,800 beneficiaries in the first tranche, underscoring its aim to ensure citizens receive their entitlements without delay or hassle.

Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the induction of 300 zero‑emission electric buses from Indraprastha has raised Delhi’s total bus fleet to over 6,100 buses, accelerating progress toward the target of 5,000 electric buses by March 2026.

The new buses are equipped with CCTVs, panic buttons, real‑time tracking and accessibility features for persons with disabilities, enhancing both safety and convenience.The launch of the Nanak Sar–Ghaziabad electric bus route, covering roughly 21 km, will provide affordable and comfortable connectivity for thousands of daily commuters in the Delhi–NCR region.

The new DTC headquarters building, to come up on about 1,800 square metres, will be energy‑efficient and designed to support modern, technology‑driven public transport management.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar