Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday flagged off 56 ladies’ special buses, including 26 buses on University routes, from the Delhi University Sports Complex. They also flagged off 200 new electric buses, launched the Delhi-Karnal e-bus service and inaugurated an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at Rajghat Depot-1.During comprehensive review meetings on women’s safety held last month, the Lieutenant-Governor had insisted on the operation of special ‘Ladies Only’ buses on identified routes. The new services are in line with these directions, officials stated.The buses will have women police personnel and Home Guards deployed on board, while female staff will operate the services, officials stated.Ms. Gupta described the ladies’ special bus service as an important step towards ensuring safe, dignified and convenient travel for women and female students.“Security arrangements have been ensured on these dedicated services along with women conductors. The initiative would also help provide Delhi University students with safe and comfortable transport between their colleges and major residential areas,” the Chief Minister stated.The 56 women-only buses include 30 buses on 15 high-demand routes and 26 buses on 13 University-specific routes. They will operate during the morning and evening peak hours and cover key institutional hubs, including Nehru Place, AIIMS, Connaught Place, ITO, Karol Bagh and Kashmere Gate, as well as areas around Delhi University colleges such as Hindu College, Ramjas College, Daulat Ram College, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College and Hansraj College.“The buses will be installed with panic buttons directly integrated with the Delhi Police’s 112 PCR emergency response system. The integrated system will enable alerts to reach the 112 PCR system quickly in an emergency, ensuring a faster and more effective response for the safety of women passengers,” Ms. Gupta stated.Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh described the ladies’ special bus service as a special gift to women ahead of Raksha Bandhan.200 electric buses flagged offMs. Gupta stated that with the addition of 200 new e-buses, the fleet of electric buses had crossed 5,000, while the overall DTC fleet had reached 6,800.“The expansion of electric buses is not merely a numerical achievement but an important step towards improving the quality of life of Delhi residents and reducing pollution,” she stated.The new fleet comprises 88 12-metre electric buses and 112 nine-metre DEVI buses. Officials stated that all DTC buses would be converted to electric vehicles and the city’s bus fleet would be expanded to around 14,000 buses by 2028-29.“Better mobility, stronger connectivity and a green economy needs to be promoted,” Mr. Sandhu stated. “The launch of 200 new electric buses in Delhi and the public EV charging station at Rajghat Depot were important steps in this direction. These initiatives would strengthen clean, green and sustainable public transport in the capital while also helping reduce vehicular pollution.”As part of the expansion of inter-State services, the DTC also launched five air-conditioned buses between Kashmere Gate and Karnal. The buses will make 10 trips daily in each direction, covering Singhu border, Rai, Bahalgarh, Murthal, Gannaur, Samalkha, Panipat, Gharaunda and Madhuban.A public EV charging station at DTC’s Rajghat Depot-1 was also inaugurated. It is equipped with four 240-kW chargers for electric buses, heavy commercial EVs and cars, supported by a 1,600-kVA compact substation. Published - August 20, 2026 12:38 am IST