Now Reading: Delhi to add 200 e-buses, launch interstate service to Karnal
-
01
Delhi to add 200 e-buses, launch interstate service to Karnal
The Delhi government will add 200 electric buses, launch a Delhi-Karnal interstate e-bus service, and introduce 56 ladies special buses, officials said. Transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the new fleet of 88 12-metre and 112 DEVI 9-metre electric buses will take the capital's total bus fleet to about 6,800, comprising 4,938 electric and 1,750 CNG buses.
The Delhi Transport Corporation will operate five fully electric, air-conditioned buses on the 133-km Delhi-Karnal route from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, with 10 daily trips each way. The service will cover Singhu Border, Murthal, Panipat and other towns, expanding DTC's existing interstate e-bus network. The new buses include CCTV, panic buttons and accessibility features for disabled passengers.
DTC will also run 30 Ladies Special trips on 15 high-demand routes and 26 University Ladies Special trips on 13 routes, all using electric DEVI buses. The services target working women and students connecting areas like Nehru Place, Connaught Place and ITO. Singh said the structured fleet augmentation programme aims to expand Delhi's bus fleet to nearly 14,000 buses by FY 2028-29.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Delhi's bus fleet expansion is part of a state push toward electric mobility that has been underway for several years. The capital already operates one of India's largest e-bus fleets, and the target of 14,000 buses by 2028-29 would require sustained procurement and charging infrastructure. The new interstate service to Karnal extends the reach of DTC's electric network beyond the NCT, offering an alternative to private intercity buses. The 56 ladies special services address a persistent demand for safer, dedicated public transport for women. The next milestone to watch is whether DTC can maintain its procurement pace to hit the fleet target, and how quickly the new charging station at Rajghat Depot-I is utilised.
The government is betting that electric buses will lower operational costs over time, but the upfront capital expenditure remains high. DTC will need to ensure adequate maintenance depots and trained staff. The Delhi-Karnal route, if successful, could be a template for more interstate e-bus corridors.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
