New Delhi, 28 June 2025:
Today, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta opened the city's newest bus depot in Narela and flagged off a fleet of 105 brand new, saffron coloured DEVi electric buses.
The action is a crucial component of the capital's initiative to modernise its public transportation system and lower pollution levels. Each of the air conditioned, low floor, nine meter buses has 23 seats and space for 17 people to stand. To ensure safety, accessibility, and effective service, they are equipped with wheelchair ramps, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, GPS tracking, and real-time passenger information systems.
"With real time passenger information systems, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and GPS tracking, these electric buses promise a safer and more comfortable commuting experience," said Transport Minister Pankaj Singh during the ceremony. He emphasised that the depot has a maintenance area and charging station to accommodate more than 100 electric buses that serve north-west Delhi. "Delhi is vibrant and colorful," Rekha Gupta said in support of the switch from green to saffron.
Thus, orange and green buses have been introduced as an experiment. She mentioned that the buses were devoted to Lord Jagannath and that the timing aligned with the Rath Yatra.
It is anticipated that the Narela depot, which was built in just ninety days at an estimated cost of ₹2.63 crore, will service nine important bus routes in Outer Delhi, connecting places like Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar, and border regions. Three bus bays, two high tech sheds, staff and passenger canteens, medical facilities, EV charging stations, clean restrooms, and RO water are all included in the facility. One of the main components of Delhi's plan to switch to electric public buses is the DEVi initiative. In keeping with its goal of operating a fleet that is entirely electric by 2026, the city intends to add over 2,000 electric buses this year and has plans to upgrade or build forty odd depots.
In keeping with the emphasis on gender inclusivity in the expansion of public transportation, some of the buses will also be driven by women. Environmental experts praised the initiative, pointing out that it could lower emissions, ease traffic, and improve last mile connectivity, particularly in outer districts where there are still few clean transportation options.
With this addition, Delhi now has one of the largest fleets of urban electric buses in the nation, operating over 2,000 of them. Today's launch solidifies the city's position as a pioneer in contemporary public transportation infrastructure and sustainable urban mobility.
