By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi  

New Delhi: The Delhi Government has approved the induction of 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses under Phase I of the PM e-Drive Scheme, marking a significant step towards expanding sustainable public transport and reducing air pollution in the national capital.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative supports the government’s vision of expanding Delhi’s public transport fleet to nearly 14,000 buses by 2028-29, while accelerating the transition to clean-energy mobility. The new fleet, expected to begin operations from April 2027, will include 1,400 12-metre buses and 1,400 9-metre buses, with the smaller buses designed to improve last-mile connectivity in narrow roads and rural areas.

The buses will be operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model with a 12-year service arrangement. Under the PM e-Drive Scheme, the Centre will provide financial assistance of up to ₹35 lakh per 12-metre bus and ₹25 lakh per 9-metre bus.

The government said the entire fleet is expected to be integrated into Delhi’s transport network by August 2028. Route rationalisation, being undertaken in collaboration with IIT Delhi, along with the deployment of a Bus Management System (BMS) and Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), is expected to improve operational efficiency and passenger services.

The move is aimed at strengthening Delhi’s public transport infrastructure while advancing cleaner urban mobility and improving air quality across the capital.