Delhi Seeks 3,300 Electric Buses for World's Largest Fleet

Delhi is about to make a massive leap toward cleaner air and greener commutes. The city government just submitted a proposal to add 3,300 new electric buses to its public transport system, potentially creating one of the largest emission-free bus networks on the planet.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently met with federal officials to push for the expansion under India's PM E-DRIVE Scheme. This national initiative helps cities switch to electric vehicles by offering financial incentives and building charging infrastructure across the country.

The proposal is thoughtfully designed to serve everyone. Officials are requesting 500 compact 7-meter buses for narrow neighborhood streets, 2,330 mid-sized 9-meter buses for feeder routes, and 500 full-sized 12-meter buses for major corridors and heavily traveled roads.

All buses will be low-floor and air-conditioned, making them easier to board for seniors and safer for women passengers. The goal is simple: make public transport so convenient and comfortable that people choose to leave their cars at home.

Delhi currently runs 5,335 buses, with 3,535 already electric. Another 2,800 electric buses are arriving soon under the first phase of PM E-DRIVE, which will bring the total fleet to 10,430 buses by March this year.

If approved, this second phase would push Delhi's fleet to 13,760 buses. Gupta aims to have 7,500 buses running by year's end and 11,000 within two years, a dramatic expansion for a city where millions rely on public transport daily.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about buses. When cities invest in clean, reliable public transport, the benefits cascade outward in unexpected ways. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic, shorter commute times, and cleaner air for children playing outside.

Electric buses also run quieter than diesel vehicles, reducing noise pollution in residential neighborhoods. For a city struggling with air quality, each electric bus replacing private vehicles removes tons of harmful emissions annually.

The commitment goes beyond politics. Gupta made clear that if federal subsidies hit technical snags, Delhi will cover the costs itself to avoid delays. That's a government putting its money where its mission is.

India set a national goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and cities like Delhi are showing how ambition translates into action. By building charging infrastructure and making electric transport accessible, they're creating a blueprint other cities can follow.

HOPEFUL CLOSE: Millions of Delhi residents could soon experience their daily commute transformed by one of the world's cleanest, largest bus networks.