New Delhi, In a significant move to bolster the city’s public transportation system, Delhi is set to welcome 500 low-floor electric buses, marking one of the most extensive inductions in recent times. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, brings the Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC) electric fleet to an impressive count of over 1,300 buses.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot expressed enthusiasm about this substantial step toward making city travel more environmentally friendly. He emphasized that the use of clean fuel in these electric buses contributes to emission-free urban transportation. Gahlot further outlined the government’s vision to replace CNG buses with electric ones, making Delhi the first city to boast an entire electric bus fleet. By the end of 2025, the plan is to replace all CNG low-floor buses in Delhi.
The new electric buses, manufactured by Tata Motors, come equipped with a driving range of 225 kilometers on a single charge. Notably, these buses feature a ventilation and air conditioning (VAC) system, ensuring passenger comfort. The intelligent transport system includes CCTV cameras, panic buttons with hooters, provisions for live video streaming in emergencies, two-way communication with the control room, and GPS units for live-tracking.
With the regular induction of buses, the Delhi government has initiated the phased retirement of older CNG buses that have reached the end of their operational life, leading to frequent breakdowns. Currently, Delhi operates around 7,300 CNG public buses, with DTC and DIMTS contributing to this fleet.
The introduction of electric buses is anticipated to address frequency issues on various routes, providing a reliable and efficient public transportation experience for Delhi residents.
