In a significant step toward transforming Delhi’s urban mobility landscape, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) initiative.
At the event, the Chief Minister praised the effectiveness of the triple-engine government and said, ‘all three arms are working together tirelessly’. Gupta said the government will add 2,080 electric buses by the end of the year, and they are working to make the public transport system 100% electric by the end of next year (2026).
Goodbye to Last-Mile Hassles: Delhi Rolls out 400 E-Buses
The first phase of the DEVi initiative includes the deployment of over 400 electric buses in East and West Delhi, covering key areas such as Ghazipur, Vinod Nagar East, and Nangloi. This rollout is one of the largest public EV deployments in the capital, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based transport while enhancing access to metro networks. With seating for 23 passengers—6 of which are reserved for women—and standing room for 13 more, the compact design is tailored for short urban commutes.
Smart, Green and Free for Women
DEVi buses are structured to ensure inclusivity and affordability. Women can commute free of cost, supporting gender-sensitive public transport. The fare for other passengers ranges between Rs 10 and Rs 25, offering a cost-effective alternative to private vehicles and informal transport. Operating at 10-minute intervals, these buses are set to improve reliability and reduce commuter wait times.
Tech-Driven Commuting Experience
Each bus is equipped with state-of-the-art Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) features. These include GPS tracking, automatic passenger counting, CCTV surveillance, digital displays, voice announcements, wheelchair ramps, and panic buttons. Such technological enhancements ensure a safe, accessible, and efficient commuting experience for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
Chief Minister, Government of Delhi said, “The Government is working with the vision of transforming Delhi into a world-class city with integrated smart transportation systems. The launch of DEVi is yet another endeavour from us to address a critical challenge of last-mile connectivity faced by city commuters every day. The DEVi initiative will not only provide the public with a sustainable, cost-effective and hassle-free commuting solution but also enhance sustainable mobility. We are happy to receive complete support from our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji and the Central Government in our mission in making Delhi cleaner and greener.”
