New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI): Delhi government on Thursday added 100 new electric buses to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet and launched a new inter-state electric bus service linking Dhaula Kuan in the capital with Dharuhera in Haryana.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the new buses at ISBT Kashmere Gate, taking the total number of electric buses operating in Delhi to over 3,500. She also flagged off the Dhaula Kuan to Dharuhera service, aimed at improving regional connectivity and offering a sustainable alternative to private vehicle use on high-traffic corridors.
Addressing the event, Gupta said strengthening and modernising public transport was critical to tackling air pollution, reducing congestion and improving last-mile connectivity. She said the new inter-state electric service would particularly benefit daily commuters travelling between Delhi and industrial hubs in Haryana.
The chief minister said the government, over the past ten months, has focused on reviving a transport network that had seen years of neglect. Several long-suspended inter-state bus routes have been restored, along with dedicated bus services for universities, she said.
Highlighting pollution-control initiatives, Gupta said automated vehicle emission testing centres are being established at Nand Nagri, Tehkhand and Burari to streamline Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification. She added that the Pink Card facility for women would be rolled out soon to ensure seamless travel across bus services. Financial support is also being extended for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro and for further strengthening the metro network, she said.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the fully electric Dhaula Kuan to Dharuhera service would benefit office-goers, students and industrial workers, especially those commuting to the Gurugram to Manesar industrial belt. He said reducing dependence on private vehicles would help cut traffic congestion and vehicular emissions while strengthening DTC’s inter-state operations.
Officials said the newly inducted low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons, real-time vehicle tracking systems and accessibility features for persons with disabilities. The expanded electric fleet is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and improve urban air quality.
Under the new Dhaula Kuan to Dharuhera route, DTC will operate three electric buses per shift on the route, catering to the heavy commuter demand along the Gurugram to Manesar industrial corridor.
