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

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.