Delhi Rolls Out 400 E-Buses Under DEVI Plan

New Delhi- In a major push towards clean and sustainable urban mobility, the Delhi government has launched 400 new electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) initiative. The initiative, aimed at transforming the city’s public transport network, marks a key step in the capital’s ambitious goal to achieve 100% electrification of its public transport fleet by 2026.

DEVI Initiative: A Landmark in Green Urban Transport

The DEVI (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) initiative is designed to modernize Delhi’s bus network while addressing the city’s alarming pollution levels. The 400 newly inducted electric buses under this scheme were flagged off by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 2, 2025, from the Kushak Nallah Depot.

Among these, 76 electric buses have been specially designated to improve last-mile connectivity in areas that are underserved or have narrow roads where traditional buses cannot operate. These compact, 9-meter-long buses ensure mobility access in congested neighborhoods and are a key feature of the DEVI program.

Features and Benefits

The new e-buses are equipped with several modern features:

• Accessibility: Motorized ramps, retractable steps, and reserved spaces for women and differently-abled passengers.
• Safety and Technology: CCTV surveillance, panic buttons, live GPS tracking, fire detection systems, and vehicle health monitoring.
• Environmentally Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions, significantly contributing to reduced air pollution.
• Affordable Fares: Tickets are priced between ₹10 and ₹25, with free rides available for women passengers, promoting gender-inclusive public transportation.

Future Expansion Under DEVI

The rollout of these 400 buses is just the beginning. The Delhi government plans to add 2,080 more electric buses by the end of 2025, taking the total to over 2,400 buses under the DEVI initiative. These buses will be operated from strategically located depots including Ghazipur, East Vinod Nagar, and Kushak Nallah, improving coverage and efficiency across the city.

This initiative also aligns with the central government’s PM e-Drive scheme, under which Delhi is among the top beneficiaries, receiving over 2,000 electric buses as part of the national transition toward electric mobility.

A Model of Collaborative Governance

The success of the DEVI initiative highlights effective coordination between the central government, Delhi state authorities, and local municipal bodies. The combined efforts aim to position Delhi as a leader in green public transportation and set a benchmark for other Indian cities.

As the city accelerates toward its 2026 target, the DEVI initiative stands as a crucial milestone in building a cleaner, safer, and more accessible public transport system for millions of Delhiites.