Delhi Government Plans Major Electric Bus Expansion Under PM E-DRIVE Phase 2

Key Highlights

• 3,330 new electric buses proposed under PM E-DRIVE Phase 2.

• Fleet includes 7m, 9m, and 12m low-floor AC e-buses.

• First-ever use of 7m buses for narrow lanes.

• The total fleet may reach 13,760 buses.

• PM E-DRIVE budget stands at ₹10,900 crore.

The Delhi government is planning a significant expansion of its public transport system by adding 3,330 more electric buses under Phase 2 of the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme. This move aims to strengthen electric mobility in the capital, improve last-mile connectivity, and meet growing passenger demand across different road conditions.

Proposal Submitted to CESL

The Delhi transport department has submitted a detailed proposal to Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a central public sector undertaking responsible for electric mobility procurement and charging infrastructure. The proposal was sent after discussions between Delhi government officials and CESL, where both sides agreed on the need for a higher allocation of electric buses for the city.

Three Bus Sizes to Match City Needs

As per the proposal, the new electric bus fleet will consist of three different sizes to ensure smooth operations across narrow lanes, feeder routes, and high-demand corridors. The planned fleet includes:

• 500 seven-metre electric buses

• 2,330 nine-metre electric buses

• 500 twelve-metre electric buses

All buses will be low-floor and air-conditioned, ensuring better comfort and accessibility for passengers.

First-Time Introduction of 7-Metre E-Buses

Delhi currently operates 12-metre buses on major roads and has recently introduced nine-metre electric buses under the DEVi initiative for smaller routes. If the new proposal is approved, it will mark the first deployment of seven-metre electric buses in the capital. These smaller buses are designed for narrow streets and last-mile connectivity, especially in densely populated areas.

According to transport officials, nine-metre buses will be used on feeder routes and smaller roads, while twelve-metre buses will continue serving arterial roads and high-traffic corridors.

Funding and Subsidy Support

The Delhi government has requested the Ministry of Heavy Industries to extend subsidy support for the additional buses under the PM E-DRIVE model. Officials have also stated that the government is ready to bear the cost independently if any technical or administrative delays affect subsidy approval, ensuring that procurement is not slowed down.

Current and Future Electric Bus Fleet Strength

At present, Delhi operates 5,336 government buses, out of which 3,535 are electric. The existing electric fleet includes:

• 1,162 nine-metre DEVi buses

• 2,273 twelve-metre electric buses

• 100 feeder electric buses

More than 5,000 electric buses are expected to be operational by March 2026. With the induction of 2,800 buses already sanctioned under Phase 1, the total bus fleet is projected to reach 10,430 buses. If the Phase 2 proposal for 3,330 additional buses is approved, Delhi’s total bus fleet will expand to 13,760 buses.

About the PM E-DRIVE Scheme

The PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has a total budget of ₹10,900 crore. The scheme focuses on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across India, including electric buses, electric trucks, and smaller EVs, to promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

This planned expansion highlights Delhi’s continued push toward electric public transport and a cleaner urban mobility future.

Also Read: Ashok Leyland Inaugurates State-of-the-Art EV Manufacturing Plant in Lucknow

CMV360 Says

Delhi’s plan to add 3,330 electric buses under PM E-DRIVE Phase 2 marks a major step toward cleaner and more inclusive public transport. With multiple bus sizes, better last-mile connectivity, and readiness to fund the project if needed, the city is accelerating its shift to electric mobility. Once implemented, the expanded fleet will significantly improve capacity, coverage, and passenger comfort across Delhi.