Delhi and Chennai Add Over 200 Electric Buses to Boost Clean Public Transport

Key Highlights

• Delhi added 100 electric AC intercity buses.

• Chennai launched 125 low-floor electric buses.

• Improved accessibility with low-floor and kneeling design.

• Affordable fares to boost daily commuter usage.

• Part of long-term clean mobility and decarbonisation plans.

India’s major metro cities, Delhi and Chennai, have taken a big step towards cleaner and greener public transport by commissioning more than 200 new electric buses in a single week. This move supports India’s wider goal of reducing air pollution, cutting carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable urban mobility. With this addition, both cities now operate several hundred electric buses in daily service.

Delhi Flags Off 100 Electric Buses on Intercity Route

In the national capital, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has introduced 100 new electric low-floor air-conditioned buses. These buses have been deployed on a 66-kilometre intercity route connecting Delhi with Dharuhera in Haryana, which falls under the National Capital Region (NCR).

Although DTC has not officially shared detailed technical specifications, visuals from the launch suggest that the fleet includes a mix of nine-metre and twelve-metre electric buses supplied by PMI Electro Mobility. All buses are air-conditioned, offering better comfort to passengers, especially during Delhi’s harsh summer months.

This new interstate electric bus service mainly benefits daily office-goers and workers travelling from Dharuhera to Delhi. To encourage regular use, DTC has fixed the fare at an affordable ₹121. With this latest addition, DTC’s total electric bus fleet has now reached around 3,400 buses operating on both city and intercity routes.

Chennai Launches 125 Electric City Buses

Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has also strengthened its electric mobility drive by flagging off 125 electric city buses. The newly added fleet includes 45 low-floor AC buses and 80 low-floor non-AC buses. These buses are currently operating on ten city routes from the upgraded Poonamallee electric bus depot.

The buses appear to be Switch Mobility’s EiV 12 model, each measuring twelve metres in length. They are designed with a low floor height of 400 mm and come with a kneeling mechanism that further lowers the entry height to 250 mm. This feature makes boarding and alighting easier for senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children.

Investment, Funding, and Long-Term Plan in Chennai

MTC has procured these 125 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, with the total fleet contract valued at ₹2.145 billion. In addition, ₹435.3 million has been spent on upgrading the Poonamallee depot to support electric bus operations.

These developments are part of the Chennai City Partnership Program – Sustainable Urban Services Program (CCP–SUSP). This large-scale urban initiative is co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, focusing on improving sustainable transport and other urban services.

Under this programme, MTC plans to deploy a total of 625 low-floor electric buses across Chennai. So far, 380 buses have already been commissioned. This includes 120 buses launched from the Vyasarpadi depot in June, 135 buses from the Perumbakkam depot in August, and the latest 125 buses from Poonamallee.

The remaining 245 electric buses will be rolled out in upcoming phases from the Central Depot and Tondiarpet Depot–1. Both depots are currently being modernised and upgraded to support full electrification.

A Major Step Towards Cleaner Urban Mobility

The latest electric bus deployments in Delhi and Chennai highlight India’s growing focus on sustainable public transport. By expanding electric bus fleets, both cities aim to reduce fuel dependency, lower emissions, and provide comfortable and affordable travel options to millions of daily commuters. This progress marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards cleaner and smarter urban transportation.

Also Read: Zingbus Expands Green Mobility Push with Electric Buses and Sustainable Operations

CMV360 Says

The addition of over 200 electric buses in Delhi and Chennai marks a strong push towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport in India. These new services improve daily commuting, enhance passenger comfort, and support inclusive mobility. With affordable fares, modern infrastructure, and international funding support, both cities are setting clear examples of how large-scale electric bus adoption can reduce pollution and strengthen urban transport systems.