ElectricBuses – Delhi strengthens green public transport network with major fleet expansion
ElectricBuses – The Delhi government is preparing to significantly expand its electric public transport network by introducing 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses under the PM E-DRIVE initiative. The move is aimed at improving commuting options across the national capital while enhancing connectivity in residential, suburban, and underserved areas.
Focus on Better Connectivity Across the City
According to officials familiar with the plan, the upcoming fleet will consist of 1,400 nine-metre buses and 1,400 twelve-metre buses. The addition is expected to improve transportation access in locations that currently have limited public transit coverage. Authorities believe the new buses will also strengthen feeder services, making it easier for passengers to reach major transit corridors and transport hubs.
Balanced Fleet Planned for Diverse Travel Needs
Transport department officials said that the smaller nine-metre electric buses already operating in Delhi have delivered encouraging results, particularly on local routes and feeder services. Based on this performance, the government intends to develop a balanced fleet capable of serving both densely populated routes and neighbourhood-level transport requirements.
The strategy is designed to address varying passenger demands while improving convenience for daily commuters. By combining buses of different sizes, authorities expect to offer greater operational flexibility throughout the city.
Part of a Long-Term Modernisation Strategy
The latest expansion forms an important part of Delhi’s broader effort to modernise its public transportation system and encourage cleaner mobility solutions. The government has set an ambitious target of increasing the overall bus fleet in the capital to nearly 14,000 vehicles by the financial year 2028-29.
Officials say this long-term plan is intended to improve route coverage, enhance service availability, and provide better travel options for residents across different parts of the city. Increasing the share of zero-emission vehicles is also expected to support environmental goals and help reduce pollution levels.
Delhi Among Leaders in Electric Bus Deployment
At present, Delhi operates close to 4,300 electric buses, making it one of the largest electric bus networks in India. The government is now working toward raising this figure to approximately 7,500 electric buses before the end of the current year.
The expansion reflects the administration’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly public transport while meeting the growing mobility needs of the capital’s population.
Additional Buses Planned Under Next Phase
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh stated that the government is also pursuing the deployment of 3,330 more electric buses under the second phase of the PM E-DRIVE programme. This proposal includes 500 seven-metre electric buses specifically intended to improve feeder operations and last-mile transportation services.
The minister noted that these smaller buses would play a key role in connecting residential areas with major public transport routes, helping commuters complete their journeys more efficiently.
Charging Infrastructure to Support Expansion
To ensure the successful operation of the larger electric fleet, the government is simultaneously focusing on expanding charging and power infrastructure at bus depots across the city. Officials said the development of supporting facilities will be essential for managing large-scale electrification and maintaining reliable services.
Authorities believe that investments in charging infrastructure, combined with the planned fleet expansion, will strengthen Delhi’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable public transport system in the coming years.