New Delhi: Delhi will induct 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses under the Centre’s PM e-DRIVE scheme as part of its push to strengthen public transport and expand clean mobility infrastructure across the national capital, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Sunday.
The proposed fleet will comprise 1,400 nine-metre and 1,400 twelve-metre pure electric buses, aimed at improving connectivity on both high-density corridors and local routes.
Singh said the induction of the new buses would enhance accessibility, improve commuter convenience and support the government’s efforts to build a sustainable and environment-friendly public transport network.
The minister said nine-metre electric buses currently operating in Delhi have performed effectively as feeder and neighbourhood transport services, encouraging the government to further expand the electric bus fleet.
Delhi at present operates nearly 4,300 electric buses, making it one of the largest electric bus fleets in the country. The government plans to increase the number of electric buses to around 7,500 by the end of 2026.
The minister said the government is also pursuing the procurement of an additional 3,330 electric buses under the second phase of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. The proposed fleet includes 500 seven-metre buses intended to strengthen last-mile and feeder connectivity in residential colonies, rural pockets and other underserved areas.
According to officials, the expansion of the electric bus network will be supported by the development of charging infrastructure and power facilities at depots to ensure smooth operations and large-scale electrification of public transport services.
The government has also set a target of expanding Delhi’s overall bus fleet to nearly 14,000 buses by 2028-29 as part of its broader strategy to modernise urban transport infrastructure.
Officials said the induction of more electric buses is expected to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality and provide commuters with a cleaner, safer and more reliable mode of public transport.
The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and forms a key component of the Delhi government’s efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility and strengthen public transport services across the city.