Approval has been granted for the inclusion of 2,800 new electric buses in Delhi's public transport fleet. Under the PM e-Drive scheme, 12 and 9-meter low-floor AC buses and charging infrastructure will be developed.
New Delhi: The Delhi government has taken a significant step to make the capital's public transport cleaner and more modern. Now, 2,800 new electric buses will be added to Delhi's public transport fleet. Along with these buses, a charging infrastructure project worth 107 crore rupees across four depots has also been approved. This initiative will strengthen electric vehicle operations in the capital and reduce pollution.
Advanced Features and Safety in New Electric Buses
The new buses will be low-floor AC models, with lengths of 12 meters and 9 meters. They will utilize advanced battery technology, allowing them to be fully charged in less than five hours. Safety measures have been implemented to prevent short-circuits and overheating.
The buses will feature automatic transmission, power steering, and low-floor entry for easy access. The 12-meter bus will be able to cover a distance of 200 km, and the 9-meter bus, 180 km. Passenger amenities include wheelchair space, double doors, and a 2x2 seating layout.
Charging Infrastructure Plan
The Delhi government has approved 107 crore rupees for charging infrastructure across four depots in Dwarka. Each depot will feature advanced EV charging stations and have a capacity for 384 buses. The charging stations will be able to fully charge buses in just 40 minutes.
Concurrently, the foundation stone for a multi-level electric bus depot has been laid in Hari Nagar, West Delhi. Officials state that this project will make e-bus operations in the capital more efficient and reliable.
Tendering and Operational Process Initiated for New Buses
The tender process for the new buses has already commenced. The operator will be entrusted with the operation of the buses for 12 years. Under this, an annual minimum distance coverage of 72,000 km for 12-meter buses and 64,800 km for 9-meter buses is assured. The deadline for bid submission is October 14.
Prototype testing will begin in February 2026, and bus handover to depots will start in April. Approximately 40% of the buses are expected to be delivered by May, with the entire fleet likely to be available by September.
Delhi's Transport Update with 2,152 Electric Buses
Currently, 2,152 electric buses are operating in Delhi. Of these, 1,752 are under DTC and 400 under the DIMTS Cluster Scheme. Additionally, 2,743 CNG buses will be gradually phased out by 2026-27 as they have exceeded their operational lifespan.
Furthermore, the operator will provide trained drivers, and any individual found to be negligent or exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be removed from service. This scheme will make Delhi's transport more eco-friendly and modern.
