Delhi to induct 2,800 electric buses under PM e-Drive Scheme by 2028
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Saturday that 2,800 new air-conditioned low-floor electric buses will be added to Delhi’s public transport fleet by August 2028 under Phase I of the PM e-Drive Scheme. This addition will increase the fleet strength to 14,000 in the financial year 2028-29.
Of the 2,800 buses, 1,400 will be 12 metres long and the remaining 1,400 will be 9 metres long. According to Ms. Gupta, the shorter buses will be deployed on narrow roads and in rural areas to extend public transport beyond main corridors and improve last-mile connectivity.
Under the scheme, a maximum financial assistance of ₹35 lakh will be provided for each 12-metre electric bus and ₹25 lakh for each 9-metre bus.
“The addition of 2,800 zero-emission electric buses marks an important step towards improving Delhi’s air quality while providing citizens with more convenient, modern and sustainable public transport,” the Chief Minister said.
The Delhi government stated that it had submitted its requirement for 2,800 electric buses to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) last year. Based on operational experience with the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector buses, the requirement was later revised to procure an equal number of 12-metre and 9-metre buses.
The government noted that a nationwide competitive bidding process would help ensure best-in-class rates. The buses will be inducted under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model and operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation. The operations and service contracts will run for 12 years.
