New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant and widely appreciated move towards sustainable urban transport, the Delhi government has announced plans to add 3,330 new electric buses to its public transport fleet, marking one of the largest single expansions of e-buses by any state government in the country.


The initiative is aimed at boosting last-mile connectivity, reducing vehicular pollution and making public transport more accessible, efficient and environment-friendly for millions of daily commuters in the national capital.


A well-planned, citizen-centric expansion
According to officials, the proposed fleet will include a mix of bus sizes tailored to Delhi’s diverse road network:
500 seven-metre mini e-buses for narrow streets and densely populated residential colonies,
2,330 nine-metre e-buses to operate as feeder services on smaller roads, and
500 standard 12-metre e-buses for high-demand corridors and arterial routes.
All buses will be low-floor, fully air-conditioned and electric, ensuring ease of access for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.


Transport experts have termed this a forward-looking and practical decision, as the inclusion of smaller electric buses for the first time will allow public transport to reach areas previously underserved due to road constraints.


Part of PM e-DRIVE framework
The proposal has been sent to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) under Phase II of the PM e-DRIVE scheme, a central initiative aimed at accelerating electric mobility across India.


Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move aligns with the government’s long-term vision of making Delhi’s public transport system fully electric and climate-resilient. She underlined that the government is prepared to move ahead with the project even if there are delays in central subsidies, reflecting strong administrative commitment.


Environmental and social benefits
Officials noted that the induction of these e-buses is expected to:
Significantly cut carbon emissions and air pollution,
Reduce dependence on private vehicles,
Improve commuting comfort, particularly for women, senior citizens and differently abled passengers, and
Ease traffic congestion across the city.
Urban mobility analysts believe the decision will have a multiplier effect, encouraging citizens to shift from private vehicles to cleaner public transport.


A commendable governance step
The large-scale expansion of electric buses has been widely hailed as a commendable governance initiative, combining environmental responsibility with practical urban planning. By focusing on last-mile connectivity and inclusive mobility, the Delhi government has taken a decisive step towards a cleaner, greener and more commuter-friendly capital.


With this move, Delhi continues to set a benchmark for other Indian cities in embracing sustainable public transport solutions while prioritising citizen convenience and environmental health.