The Delhi government has decided to induct 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses into the city’s public transport fleet under Phase I of the PM e-Drive Scheme, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday. She said in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a clean, green and developed India, the government aims to increase Delhi's public transport fleet to nearly 14,000 buses by 2028-29.
The government is targeting the rollout of these modern buses from April next year, while the entire fleet is expected to be integrated into Delhi's public transport system by August 2028, she said. The Chief Minister said the addition of 2,800 zero-emission electric buses marks an important step towards improving Delhi's air quality while providing citizens with more convenient, modern and sustainable public transport.
Of the total fleet, 1,400 buses will be 12 metres long, and the remaining 1,400 will be 9 metres long. The 9-metre buses will be particularly useful on narrow roads and in rural areas, helping extend public transport beyond the main corridors and improving last-mile connectivity.
According to information shared with the Delhi Cabinet, the government submitted its requirement for 2,800 electric buses to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) last year. Based on operational experience with the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) buses, the requirement was later revised, and it was decided to procure an equal number of 12-metre and 9-metre buses.
CESL adopted a nationwide competitive bidding process for the induction of all 2,800 buses, which will help ensure bus operations at competitive rates. Under Phase-I of the PM e-Drive Scheme, the project provides for a maximum government financial assistance of Rs 35 lakh for each 12-metre electric bus and Rs 25 lakh for each 9-metre electric bus.
All 2,800 buses will be inducted into Delhi's public transport fleet under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model and will operate under a designated service arrangement. The entire fleet will be operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), with bus operations and service contracts under the GCC model set for a period of 12 years.