In a landmark move to address Delhi’s persistent last-mile connectivity challenges and promote clean transportation, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta flagged off 400 electric buses today under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) initiative. The launch, held in the presence of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, marks a bold step toward a greener, more accessible capital.
Conceived as a collaborative effort between the Delhi Government and the Centre, the DEVi initiative aims to improve commuter experience by offering sustainable, safe, and affordable public transport between key metro stations and major bus terminals in East and West Delhi.
“The launch of DEVi is not just about electric buses it’s about transforming how our citizens experience the city,” said CM Rekha Gupta. “This initiative represents our commitment to smart infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth. We are grateful for the support of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Central Government in this mission.”
What DEVi Brings to Delhi
In its first phase, DEVi deploys 400 modern, compact electric buses in high-demand areas like Ghazipur, Vinod Nagar East, and Nangloi. Each bus features:
- 23 seats (with 6 reserved for women) and space for 13 standing passengers
- Free rides for women passengers
- Fares ranging between ₹10 and ₹25
- 10-minute frequency during operational hours for minimal wait times
These electric buses are embedded with Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS), including GPS tracking, digital route displays, automatic passenger counting, CCTV surveillance, voice announcement systems, panic buttons, wheelchair ramps, and knee-down flooring for elderly and differently-abled commuters.
CM Rekha Gupta said at the launch today that we are bringing 400 DEVI EV buses onto the streets of Delhi. By the end of this year, we will be adding 2,080 more EV buses.
A Cleaner, More Inclusive Delhi
One of the most significant advantages of the DEVi initiative is its contribution to the environment. Through the substitution of fossil fuel-dependent last-mile transportation modes with electric ones, Delhi will likely save thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions every year, a significant step toward alleviating air pollution and respiratory health hazards for its residents.
From a commuter’s perspective, the economic impact is tangible. With free rides for women, regular female commuters stand to save an estimated ₹8,000–₹10,000 annually, making daily travel more affordable and empowering.
“We’re not just electrifying buses, we’re electrifying hope,” said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a pre-launch statement. “Under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, Delhi is showing what inclusive, sustainable development truly looks like.”
A Vision for Smarter Cities
The DEVi launch aligns with Delhi’s broader efforts to modernize its urban mobility systems. The focus on technological integration, safety, and accessibility positions the city as a model for responsive governance and progressive infrastructure planning.
As the DEVi buses begin operations today, they signal not just a change in transportation but a shift in how the city connects its people, protects its environment, and builds its future.
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