New Delhi: The number of electric buses in Delhi is set to increase soon. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is speeding up the construction of six new depots. These depots will be located in Kalkaji, Naraina, Shadipur, East Vinod Nagar, Ghazipur, and Nand Nagri.
Charging stations and other necessary resources are being arranged at these locations. Two of these depots are already in the final stages of development. Additionally, private operators will soon make more buses available for the city.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of now, there are 1333 electric buses in operation across 12 depots in Delhi. Soon, the city will receive an additional 1540 buses. Out of these, around 500 buses will be 12 meters long and 1040 buses will be 9 meters long. The smaller buses are planned for narrow streets, while the larger ones will operate on main roads.
Transition from CNG to Electric Buses
According to Anuj Sinha, Chief General Manager of DTC, the operation of CNG buses is nearing its end at several depots. Buses that have completed their service period are being removed from routes and replaced with electric buses.
Over 1500 new electric buses are expected to be operational within the next two to three months. Preparations for their deployment are already underway.
Depots Undergoing Changes
Bus operations from Kalkaji, Naraina, Shadipur, Ghazipur, Nand Nagri, and East Vinod Nagar have been halted as most of the buses have reached the end of their service life.
The remaining buses have been relocated to other depots. For instance, buses from East Vinod Nagar have been shifted to Rajghat Depot. The now-vacant depots are being upgraded with electrification, charging stations, and other necessary facilities.
Current Electric Bus Operations
Here’s a quick look at the current number of electric buses operating from various depots:
- BBM Wazirpur Depot: 70 buses
- SPLD Rohini Sector-1: 128 buses
- SVD Nehru Place Depot: 175 buses
- Hasanpur Depot: 70 buses
- Rajghat-2: 71 buses
- Rohini Sector-2: 100 buses
- Rohini Sector-37: 129 buses
- Mayapuri Depot: 100 buses
- Mundela Kalan Depot: 100 buses
Relief for Passengers on Several Routes
About a decade ago, cluster buses hit the streets of Delhi, and many of them have now completed their service life. These buses are being removed, causing a reduction in bus numbers on several routes, which has led to passenger inconvenience.
Residents of Dhoga have even submitted a memorandum to the Transport Department due to the bus shortage. However, with the upcoming increase in the fleet of electric buses, passengers can expect significant relief soon.