Rekha flags off over 100 DEVI electric buses, inaugurates Narela bus depot

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed DTC bus depot at Sector A-9, Narela, and flagged off more than 100 new DEVI (Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative) electric buses, marking a significant push towards the Capital’s clean mobility vision.

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Addressing the gathering, CM Gupta underlined her government’s commitment to building a modern, eco-friendly and inclusive public transport network.

“We had promised to modernise every bus depot and terminal in Delhi and construct new ones to ensure seamless, safe and widespread transport access. The terminal and DEVI buses stand testimony to that commitment,” she said, adding that the new depot was completed in just 90 days, reflecting “the government’s efficiency and dedication.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Delhi Cabinet Ministers Pankaj Kumar Singh and Ravinder Singh Indraj, MP Yogendra Chandolia, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, local councillors, DTC officials and hundreds of residents who welcomed the initiative as a boost for North-West Delhi’s connectivity.

Highlighting the depot’s modern features, CM Gupta said the terminal had been developed on about 4,000 square meters of land and includes dedicated bus bays, hi-tech sheds, parking, a new pass section, passenger and staff canteens, medical facilities, clean toilets, RO water plant, pantry and EV charging stations — all designed to ensure comfortable services for both staff and commuters.

The depot will handle 75 buses covering nine key routes, connecting localities like Old Delhi railway station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar and border areas, with a major share of the fleet operating on electric power.

CM Gupta stressed that the new DEVI buses — low-floor, AC, wheelchair-friendly and equipped with panic buttons, CCTV cameras and real-time tracking — had been specially designed for safe and efficient last-mile connectivity. She said over 2,000 electric buses are already on Delhi roads, with the target of a fully electric public transport system by 2027.

In a symbolic step towards women empowerment, some of the newly launched DEVI buses were driven by women drivers — a unique initiative applauded by the attendees.

CM Gupta also hit out at previous governments, accusing them of mismanagement that pushed the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) into crisis. “The CAG report shows that DTC’s losses today stand at over Rs 65,000 crore — about 65 per cent of Delhi’s total budget. The number of bus routes was halved while operational costs doubled, scams were rampant in ticketing and free travel schemes for women,” she said, promising her government’s focus would remain on “work over profit.”

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh described the new depot and fleet launch as a “historic milestone” that brings Delhi closer to becoming India’s first 100 per cent electric public transport city — a goal aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat Ki Viksit Rajdhani.”