2,800 new electric buses to hit Delhi roads by 2028

With the addition of 2,800 e-buses, the total fleet strength will be 14,000 in 2028-29, said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

| Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said 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. The addition will take the fleet strength to 14,000 in 2028-29. Of these, 1,400 will be 12 metres long and the remaining half will be 9 metres long. The latter will be deployed on narrow roads and in rural areas to extend public transport beyond the main corridors and improve last-mile connectivity, Ms. Gupta said. 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,” she said. The Delhi government said it had last year submitted its requirement for 2,800 electric buses to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). Based on operational experience with the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector buses, the requirement was later revised, and it was decided to procure an equal number of 12 metre and 9 metre buses. The government said the 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. Published - July 19, 2026 12:19 am IST