In a significant step toward promoting green transportation, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal jointly inaugurated 500 electric low-floor buses from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) today. This marks the largest one-time induction of electric buses in recent history.
Delhi has been progressively embracing eco-friendly public transportation. Since January 2022, over 800 electric buses have been operational on the city’s roads, covering an impressive distance of over 42 million kilometers. This achievement has led to a substantial reduction of more than 34,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. These buses are part of the Central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme, boasting state-of-the-art features.
A Glimpse into the Future:
The new fleet of electric buses signifies the city’s commitment to passenger comfort and safety. These advanced vehicles incorporate various features, including:
- Providing air conditioning for a comfortable ride in all weather conditions.
- Equipped with CCTV cameras to enhance security.
- Offering bus kneeling and ramp facilities for easy access for all passengers.
- Incorporating panic buttons for immediate assistance.
- Featuring dedicated pink seats, ensuring a safe and comfortable space for women travelers.
- Enabling live video streaming capability during emergencies.
- Equipped with fire detection and suppression systems for passenger safety.
- Being centrally monitored by the Central Command Control room.
Reducing Emissions, Enhancing Quality of Life:
With this significant addition of electric buses, the total count of low-floor electric buses in Delhi now exceeds 1,300. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot emphasized that these electric buses, powered by clean energy, contribute to making city travel emissions-free. The electric buses are manufactured by Tata Motors, offering an impressive driving range of 225 kilometers on a single charge. They are also equipped with a ventilation and air conditioning (VAC) system.
Furthermore, these buses are integrated into an intelligent transport system, featuring CCTV cameras, panic buttons with hooters, live video streaming capabilities during emergencies, two-way communication with control rooms, and GPS units for real-time tracking.
Meeting the Challenges of Public Transportation:
Delhi currently operates approximately 7,300 operational CNG public buses, including 4,010 from DTC and 3,319 from DIMTS. The addition of electric buses is seen as a significant step in addressing the shortage of buses due to aging and breakdowns.
The launch of 500 new electric buses represents a remarkable achievement for Delhi in its pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation options. This move aligns with the city’s broader efforts to combat pollution and promote cleaner, greener commuting alternatives.Delhi’s adoption of electric buses on such a grand scale signifies not only a transformation in its public transportation system but also a promising step toward a cleaner and more sustainable urban future.
