"Delhi to soon be state with maximum number of EV buses": CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, February 8
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said that the national capital will soon become the state with the maximum number of electric buses.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the launch of 500 EV buses in New Delhi, Rekha Gupta thanked the public for showing trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
"I want to thank the people of Delhi for trusting the BJP government and the development done by PM Modi. It is because of their trust that this government is working 365 days a year for them. Delhi will soon become the place which has the maximum number of EV buses," she said.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin will launch 500 EV buses and the Delhi-Panipat Inter-State Bus Service at the Ramlila Maidan in the presence of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.
Earlier on Thursday, Rekha Gupta said that Delhi is expected to have a total fleet of 7,700 buses by 2026 and 11,000 by 2028, and most of them will be electric.
In an interview with ANI, the Delhi CM said, "Currently, it operates around 3,600 buses, and the government added nearly 1,700 buses in the past year. She said the total fleet is expected to reach 7,700 buses by the end of 2026, with a long-term target of 11,000 buses by 2028, most of them electric."
She added that funding was sanctioned for metro expansion and last-mile connectivity projects, including e-bikes and EV autos.
Last month, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that within the next three years, 100 per cent of Delhi's public transport buses will be converted into an emission-free electric fleet.
Addressing the gathering, CM Rekha Gupta said, "The Delhi government has doubled its capital expenditure. Rs 30,000 crore will now be spent on capital expenditure in Delhi. To make Delhi better, we have decided that within three years, 100 per cent of Delhi's public transport buses will be converted into an emission-free electric fleet. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that Delhi receives 11,000 electric buses. The infrastructure required to maintain these electric buses, such as new charging stations and new bus depots, is being created rapidly."
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the goal is commendable, I hope the infrastructure keeps pace. Charging stations, maintenance facilities, and reliable power supply are crucial. We've seen many projects announced with great fanfare but delayed in execution. Fingers crossed this one delivers on time.
Good step, but what about the fare? Will it remain affordable for the common man? Public transport should be for the public, not become a luxury. Also, hope the last-mile connectivity with e-bikes and autos is priced reasonably.
As a daily bus commuter, I'm really looking forward to quieter and cleaner rides. The current diesel buses are so noisy and smoky. This change can't come soon enough! Hope they roll them out across all routes quickly.
The focus should be on increasing the total number of buses first. Delhi needs more buses, electric or not, to reduce waiting times and overcrowding. 11,000 by 2028 is a good target, but the current fleet is still insufficient for the population.
This is a welcome move for our environment. However, I respectfully disagree with making this a political credit event. Development and clean air are for all citizens, regardless of which party is in power. Let's keep the focus on the outcome, not the politics.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.