Delhi Flags Off 500 EV Buses, Restarts Delhi–Panipat Service After 18 Years

The Delhi government on Monday flagged off 500 new electric buses and launched the Delhi-Panipat bus service, marking a major expansion of the capital’s clean public transport network and the resumption of inter-state bus services after nearly two decades.

Addressing the event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the total number of buses operating in the national capital has now crossed 4,000. She added that the government plans to expand the electric bus fleet to 7,500 by the end of 2026, with a longer-term target of 14,000 buses by 2028. Gupta also announced that a new electric vehicle (EV) policy will be introduced soon to further promote clean and environmentally friendly mobility in the city.

Inter-State Connectivity Restored

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the launch of the Delhi–Panipat service marks the revival of inter-state bus operations after an 18-year gap. He noted that the move would significantly improve convenience for commuters travelling between Delhi and neighbouring states.

The programme was organised to mark the completion of one year of the Delhi government. As part of the anniversary celebrations, several initiatives and programmes will be rolled out until the 2nd of next month. The government will also release a one-year report card on the 21st of this month, which will be showcased through door-to-door outreach across the city.

₹1,200 Crore Grant for DTC

The Chief Minister also approved a ₹1,200 crore grant for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Of this, ₹1,100 crore has been earmarked for salaries, pensions, and statutory dues of DTC employees and pensioners. The remaining ₹100 crore will be used for transport modernisation and advanced technology initiatives, including improvements in traffic management and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

Delhi Leads in Electric Buses

Delhi has now overtaken Maharashtra in the number of registered electric buses. According to data from the Vahan Dashboard of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (February 2026), Delhi has 4,286 electric buses on the road, compared to Maharashtra’s 4,001.

Gupta said the government is also working on a comprehensive EV policy aimed at strengthening charging infrastructure and ensuring smooth operations as the city scales up its electric public transport fleet.