India, Aug. 19 -- The Delhi government on Tuesday announced a major expansion of the Capital's public transport network with the induction of 200 new electric buses, the launch of an interstate electric bus service to Karnal, introduction of 56 women-only bus services and the inauguration of a high-capacity public EV charging station at Rajghat Depot-I. With the addition of the new buses, Delhi's total bus fleet will rise to around 6,800, including 4,938 electric buses and 1,750 CNG buses. The newly inducted fleet comprises 88 12-metre electric buses and 112 nine-metre DEVI buses equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons, real-time tracking and accessibility features for persons with disabilities. Also Read - EC revises Delhi's SIR schedule; final voter list to be published on Nov 4 Advertisement Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "Delhi's transport system is moving decisively towards cleaner, safer and more reliable public mobility, with electric buses at the heart of this transformation." He added that the city is implementing a time-bound fleet augmentation programme and the total bus fleet is projected to reach nearly 14,000 by FY 2028-29. The government will also launch five fully electric air-conditioned buses on the Delhi-Karnal route. The service will operate 10 daily trips in each direction across the 133-km corridor connecting ISBT Kashmiri Gate with Karnal via Singhu Border, Rai, Murthal, Ganaur, Samalkha, Panipat, Gharaunda and Madhuban. The new route expands DTC's interstate electric network, which already connects Delhi with Baraut, Sonipat, Dharuhera, Panipat and Rohtak. Also Read - At least 3 killed, 3 injured as CNG cylinder explodes at fuel pump in Delhi To improve women's safety and convenience, DTC will introduce 56 dedicated Ladies Special electric bus services, including 30 trips on 15 high-demand routes and 26 University Ladies Special trips covering major colleges across Delhi. The services will be operated entirely with electric DEVI buses and identified through distinctive stickers. The Transport Department also inaugurated a public EV charging station at Rajghat Depot-I, built at a cost of about Rs.5.5 crore. Equipped with four 240-kW chargers and a 1,600-KVA substation, the facility can charge heavy commercial electric vehicles as well as electric cars. Calling the initiatives a comprehensive mobility push, Singh said, "Our objective is not merely to add buses, but to create a transport system that is cleaner, safer, more comfortable and accessible for every citizen."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.