In a landmark step toward sustainable urban mobility, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 2, 2025, flagged off 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative (DEVI), reinforcing her administration’s commitment to a cleaner and greener transport infrastructure. The Chief Minister also announced that an additional 2,080 battery-operated buses will be inducted into Delhi’s fleet by the end of this year, pushing the city closer to its ambitious goal of a 100% electric public transport system by 2026.

400 Electric Buses Hit the Roads

Speaking at the launch event, CM Rekha Gupta described this development as a significant stride in Delhi’s battle against vehicular pollution. “Forty-five per cent of Delhi’s pollution is caused by vehicular emissions. This addition of electric buses is not just a transport reform, but an environmental imperative,” she stated. The newly introduced electric buses are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, provide a quieter commuting experience, and cut down on fuel dependency.

This move is part of the Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative (DEVI), which the government plans to scale rapidly across the national capital territory. The final target for 2025 is to add 2,480 electric buses, which would make Delhi one of the leading Indian cities in terms of electric public transport infrastructure.

A Triple Engine Government's Green Mission

Rekha Gupta, who assumed office as the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi, highlighted the efforts of her "triple-engine government"—a term coined to represent synergy among the municipal, state, and central authorities. She credited this governance model for accelerating infrastructure and environmental reforms that had been delayed under previous administrations.

“We are focused on rewriting Delhi’s legacy,” Gupta said. “This is not just about buses; it’s about establishing Delhi as a model green capital.”

Key Features of the Newly Inducted Electric Buses

• Zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to air quality improvements.

• Integrated GPS systems, allowing real-time tracking for commuters.

• Passenger comfort features such as air conditioning, low-floor design, and safety installations.

• Operational efficiency with lower fuel costs and government subsidies under the FAME II scheme.

The government’s electric mobility roadmap also includes charging infrastructure expansion, battery-swapping facilities, and special EV zones in high-density areas.

New EV Policy in the Works

Rekha Gupta also confirmed that the Delhi government is working on a comprehensive Electric Vehicle Policy that will span across multiple sectors beyond just public transportation. This includes policies around private electric vehicles, two- and three-wheelers, commercial fleets, and charging infrastructure development.

The EV policy aims to:

• Promote manufacturing and local assembly of EVs.

• Provide financial subsidies and incentives to users and operators.

• Develop a robust ecosystem for EV maintenance, charging, and battery management.

• Encourage private-public partnerships for fleet electrification.

This policy, expected to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly later this year, is being formulated in consultation with environmental experts, transport authorities, and urban planners.

Government on Ground During Infrastructure Challenges

The EV initiative launch coincided with a pre-monsoon downpour that led to traffic snarls, waterlogging, and uprooted trees across Delhi. CM Rekha Gupta used the occasion to stress that her government was also focused on infrastructure resilience and crisis response.

“Our cabinet minister Parvesh Verma was at Minto Road by 6 am, and officers had already begun field duties since 5 am,” she said, highlighting her government’s on-ground monitoring approach. In a pointed remark aimed at previous administrations, she said, “We don’t remember any former Chief Minister personally inspecting such conditions. We are here to ensure Delhi doesn’t suffer due to past neglect.”

Gupta termed the rain incident a "warning sign" for Delhi’s infrastructure, which she said had suffered from decades of unplanned development. She vowed to address these issues with “agility, commitment, and accountability.”

Public Response and Future Outlook

Residents and environmental groups have largely welcomed the government’s latest push toward electrification, with many expressing hope that this marks a permanent transition away from fossil-fuel-powered public transportation. There are also increasing calls for similar reforms in municipal waste collection vehicles, government service fleets, and school buses.

However, some transport experts have also emphasized the need for upskilling drivers, enhancing EV maintenance capabilities, and ensuring reliable charging infrastructure to prevent breakdowns and route delays.

The addition of 2,080 more electric buses by December 2025 would bring Delhi’s total electric bus strength close to 2,500 vehicles, positioning it among global cities with rapidly transforming urban mobility sectors.

Closing Thoughts

Delhi’s decision to aggressively ramp up its electric bus fleet marks a bold and necessary shift in the city’s urban transport and climate action strategy. With rising air pollution, increasing population, and climate vulnerabilities, the city stands at a crucial juncture. Through initiatives like DEVI, the new EV policy, and hands-on administrative leadership, CM Rekha Gupta’s government is setting the stage for a cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready Delhi.

This push could not only redefine the capital’s transportation ecosystem but also serve as a template for other Indian metros struggling with pollution and urban congestion.

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