Delhi's e-bus initiative surges forward while transit projects

08 Mar 2024 CW Team

Finance Minister Atishi announced during her budget presentation on Monday, 4 March 2024, that the Delhi government's budget for 2024-25 earmarks Rs 51 billion for electric buses. The move aims to augment the capital's public transport network and cater to its burgeoning population.

Atishi stated, Delhi has a fleet of 7,582 buses currently, which is being used by more than [4.1 million] passengers on a daily basis. To expand this fleet further, a concession agreement for the engagement of 1,900 new e-buses has been signed.

Additionally, Rs 34 billion has been allocated to sustain the scheme offering free bus travel for women in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses through pink tickets. Regarding the delayed mohalla bus service, Atishi outlined the procurement of 2,080 nine-meter e-buses, slated for deployment as mohalla buses. By 2025, Delhi is set to witness a fleet surpassing 10,000 buses, with 80% being electric.

However, last year's proposed schemes remain sidelined in this year's budget, such as the e-scooter sharing service in Dwarka and the development of international-standard inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs). The plan to construct 1,400 modern bus queue shelters with digital screens has also been deferred.

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot had acknowledged delays in bus delivery and assured expedited efforts, anticipating their arrival by early March. While some projects await relaunch, plans for the ISBT project are advancing, per a senior transport department official.

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..