Kejriwal flagged off 150 electric buses in Delhi to reduce pollution

NEW DELHI:

The Delhi Government has taken a landmark step in its fight against pollution today. 150 electric buses hit Delhi’s roads after being flagged off by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The CM travelled in Delhi’s new e-bus fleet from IP Depot to Rajghat Depot on this occasion.

Notably, Delhiites can enjoy free travel in all e-buses till May 26th. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated, “150 more electric buses to be added by next month; Delhi to boast of 2,000 new e-buses and 600-700 CNG buses by next year. Dedicating 3 electric bus depots developed with a Rs 150 crore investment to Delhiites today; working on developing more depots.

Delhi’s fleet has now crossed 7,200 buses, this is the highest increase in the history of Delhi, there were never so many buses on the roads of Delhi till date. “We aim to transform Delhi’s bus fleet into an all electric fleet; trying our best to induct only electric buses. Whenever you travel in an electric bus, do post your selfie on social media with #IrideEbus to participate in the contest and spread the word.” Transport Minister hri Kailash Gahlot said.

“I am seeing CM Arvind Kejriwal’s dreams come true as I witness the transformation of Delhi every day. While you’re enjoying a ride, also take a selfie, post it and be a part of Delhi’s EV revolution and grab a chance to win an iPad,” he added.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dedicated 150 electric buses to the people of Delhi today. These electric buses were formally inducted into Delhi’s public bus fleet at a ceremony held at the IP Depot today. The event began with the unveiling of plaque & inauguration of Mundela Kalan, Rajghat & Rohini Sector- 37 electric bus depots by the Chief Minister in presence of Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot and the Chief Secretary. Following this, the CM flagged off the new electric bus fleet as they set off for their first journey. On this occasion, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal got on one of the new 150 electric buses and joined in on Delhi’s journey towards clean mobility. The CM travelled from the IP Depot to the Rajghat Depot and took stock of all the facilities the government is providing to the public in the new buses. Notably, the Delhi Government is offering 3 days of free bus travel to everyone in these electric buses to promote the switch towards electric vehicles.

Kejriwal said, “I am extremely happy today, and I hope so are my fellow Delhiites on this exciting occasion. It is a momentous day in Delhi’s history – that 150 new electric buses have been added to the DTC fleet, and will hit the roads today. We flagged these buses off and even went for a ride in one of them. These buses are highly impressive, beautifully built, and extremely comfortable to travel in. Despite the fact that the bus that I sat in today was swarmed with people, the AC was still very effective. I recall my days during the Andolan, when I would travel in buses quite often that had ACs which would barely work. The people of Delhi have welcomed a new addition to their lives in the form of these electric buses, and for them to take full advantage of this opportunity we have made rides free for the next three days. They are your buses, I urge you to travel and enjoy – to take a joyride on these electric buses, while also taking care by not littering or damaging them.”

He added, “I believe today is a milestone in Delhi’s ongoing battle with pollution. This launch has marked the beginning of a new era in the transport sector, ushering in the age of more and more electric buses to hit Delhi’s roads and curb pollution on a large scale. 150 new buses have been launched today, and next month another 150 will be added to the fleet. It is our target to have 2,000 electric buses running on the roads in Delhi within the next one year, and our government is dedicating itself to work in this direction. The Delhi Government is planning to spend a total of Rs 1,862 crores on this project over the next 10 years, while receiving 150 crores from the Central Government for which we are grateful. In addition, three new EV charging depots have been inaugurated today, which cost around Rs 150 crores. Many new such depots are being built as well to match the number of new electric buses we aim to introduce.”

He concluded, “I once again congratulate the people of Delhi on the launch of the new electric buses. I appeal to everyone to take a ride as soon as possible, take a selfie and share it on the social media with the hashtag #IrideEBus.”

CM Arvind Kejriwal kicks off the #IrideEbus Campaign

The Delhi Government has started the #IrideEbus Campaign to promote maximum adoption of electric buses by the people of Delhi. Under the campaign, the Delhi Government has organised a public contest which shall go on till 30th June to promote its e-buses and encourage more people to travel, experience these buses and spread the word. Along with the free rides, Delhi Government has urged its citizens to ride its e-buses, take a selfie, post it with the hashtag #IrideEbus on their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook handles. The top 3 entries will have chances to win an iPad.

Kicking off the campaign, CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Delhi has written a new chapter in its fight against pollution today. From today, 150 electric AC buses have started running on the roads of Delhi. I also travelled in the bus, and experienced its modern facilities. Everyone must also travel once in Delhi’s luxurious electric buses. #IrideEbus”

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, “It is a wonderful feeling to finally witness the day that I, as a Delhi resident and Delhi’s Transport Minister had dreamt of. The era of Electric buses has truly begun, with 150 buses joining our fleet today. Delhi can now boast of 7200+ buses in its fleet, which is a historic moment in itself for Delhi’s public transport. We are adding more electric buses and electric depots to house these buses. Today, I call upon the whole of Delhi to take friends and family along and take a ride in our emission free, noise free e-buses which are the epitome of comfort. While you’re enjoying a ride, also take a selfie, post it and be a part of Delhi’s EV revolution and grab a chance to win an iPad. Let’s together make Delhi pollution free!”

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot tweeted, “I am seeing the dreams of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal come true. I am watching Delhi transform. Congratulations to all Delhiites on the induction of electric buses from today!”

Delhi’s bus fleet crosses 7,200

Delhi Transport Corporation today achieved a major milestone by adding 150 electric buses to its bus fleet. With the addition of these buses, the total number of buses in Delhi has gone up to 7,205. These buses include 3,912 DTC buses and 3,293 buses are of cluster. At the same time, Delhi Government has built three electric depots in Rohini Sector 37, Mundelakalan and Rajghat-2 to accommodate electric buses. 32 charging stations have been built in Mundela Kalan depot built at a cost of Rs 24 crore. There are 48 charging stations in Rohini Sector-37 depot built with an investment of Rs 120 crore.

Electric buses are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features

The biggest feature of electric buses is that they are pollution free. There is no pollution due to the running of these buses. In a 10 year lifespan, e-buses will save 0.16 million tonnes of PM-2.5 and 0.17 million tonnes of PM-10 CO2 compared to CNG buses. Along with zero emission, these buses are zero noise. In addition, they are equipped with GPS devices, ramps for the differently-abled, panic buttons, CCTV cameras and other security related facilities.

DTC to induct 1500 more electric buses by the end of the year

In the coming few days, 150 more electric buses will be inducted in the DTC fleet. Apart from this, recently the Transport Department has also finalised the bid for 330 electric buses, which will be included within 4 to 6 months. By the end of the year, DTC will induct 1,500 electric buses in its fleet. After which the commute of Delhiites will become even easier and more comfortable. 12 e-bus depots are also being built for these 1,500 e-buses, the work of which will be completed in the next one year.

The routes on which these buses will run for the coming two days

A total of 99 buses will be deployed at the Rohini Sec-37 Depot which will run on:

TMS(+): Rohini Sec-37 depot – WPD –G.T.B Nagar – ITO Ring Road – AIIMS –Dhaula Kuan–WPD –  Rohini Sec-37 depot

TMS(-): Rohini Sec-37 depot – WPD –Dhaula Kuan – AIIMS – ITO Ring Road–G.T.B Nagar– WPD–  Rohini Sec-37 depot

901:     Rohini Sec-37 depot – Mangolpuri –   Kamla Mkt. – Mangolpuri–Rohini Sec-37 depot  

957:     Rohini Sec-37 depot – Rohini Sec-22 –  Shivaji Std. – Rohini Sec-22 – Rohini Sec-37 depot         

990Ext.:          Rohini Sec-37 depot – Rohini Sec-23 – Shivaji Std. – Rohini Sec-23 –Rohini Sec-37 depot   182A   Rohini Sec-37 depot – Kanjhawala – Kashmere Gate ISBT Rohini–Rohini Sec-37 depot  

E-44(-)            Rohini Sec-37 depot –WPD- TMS   

Rest of 51 buses will be deployed on the Mundhela Kalan depot and run on:

502:     Mundhela Kalan Depot – Najafgarh – Mehrauli – Mori Gate – Mehrauli – Mundhela Kalan Depot

817N:  Mundhela Kalan Depot – Najafgarh –Mori Gate – Najafgarh – Mundhela Kalan Depot

E-44(+)           Mundhela Kalan Depot – Azadpur – IP Depot  – IP Depot – Azadpur- Mundhela Kalan Depot

Electric buses will run on these scheduled routes from May 27

100 buses will run on these routes from Mundela Kalan depot-

1- Route number 821 will go from Jaganpur Kalan to Tilak Nagar via Mithora, Najafgarh, Nawada and Uttam Nagar.

2- On Route No. 835 from Dhansa Border to Tilak Nagar, buses will go via Mundhela X-ing, Rawta X-ing, Mitraon, Najafgarh, Nawada, Uttam Nagar.

3- Route No. 764 will go from Najafgarh Terminal to Nehru Place (T) via Dwarka X-ing, Dwarka Sector-3, 2, 1, Palam Flyover, Palam Airport, Vasant Gaon, Munirka, IIT Gate.

4- Route No. 978 will go from Najafgarh Terminal to Azadpur Terminal via Dichaon Kalan Depot, Baprola, Ranhola, Nangloi, Peera Garhi, Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar Ex-Ing.

5- 539A from Najafgarh Terminal to Lado Sarai Phirni Road via Dinpur, Chhawla, Bijwasan, Kapashera, Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj, Chhatarpur X-ing.

6- Route number 923 from Najafgarh Terminal to Old Delhi Railway Station will go via Dichaon Kalan Depot, Baprola, Ranhola, Nangloi, Peera Garhi, Punjabi Bagh, Zakhira, Sarai Rohilla, Model Basti, Tis Hazari Court, ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

7- On route number 826, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurvedic Hospital will go from Khera Dabur to Tilak Nagar via Mitraon, Najafgarh, Nawada, Uttam Nagar.

8- Route number 817G from Najafgarh Terminal to Mori Gate Terminal will go up to Nawada, Uttam Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Moti Nagar, Zakhira, Inderlok, Sarai Rohilla, Model Basti, Tis Hazari Court, ISBT Kashmere Gate.

100 buses will run on these routes from Rohini Sector-37 depot –

1-Route number 901 will go from Mangolpuri Y-Block to Kamla Market to Madhuban Chowk, Wazirpur Depot, Azadpur, GTB Nagar, Old Delhi Secretariat, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Red Fort, Delhi Gate, Ramlila Ground.

2- Rohini Sector-25 (Deep Vihar) to Shivaji Stadium on Route No. 990A, Rithala Metro Station, Rohini Sector-1 and Rohini Sector 7-8, Madhuban Chowk, CD Block Pitampura, Wazirpur Depot, Punjabi Bagh, Karampura, Patel Nagar , will go via Karol Bagh and Gole Market.

3- Rohini Sector-16, Rohini Sector-15 G-Block, Sector-9, Sector-7/8, Madhuban Chowk, Peera Garhi, Vikaspur, Outer Ring Road, from Shahbad Dairy to Janak Puri D-Block on Route No. 879 Janakpuri will pass through District Centre, Uttam Nagar, B1 Janakpur and Sagarpur.

4- Rohini Sector-23 (Packet-C) to Shivaji Stadium on Route No. 990mgz to Rithala Metro Station, Rohini Sector-1, Rohini Sector 7-8, Madhuban Chowk, Pitam Pura, Wazirpur Depot, Punjabi Bagh, Karampura, Patel Nagar And will go through Karol Bagh.

5- Rohini Sector-22 Terminal on Route No. 957 to Shivaji Stadium Y Block via Mangolpuri, Avantika, Rohini Sector-7 Crossing, Mahindra Park, Britannia, Punjabi Bagh, Zakhira Flyover, Sarai Rohilla, Devnagar, Karol Bagh and Gol Market.

6- Rohini Sector-18 Ex-Ing, Badli Railway Station, Samaypur, GTK ByPass, Buri X-Ing, Wazirabad X-Ing, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar, Nand Nagri Depot on Route No. 165 from Shahbad Dairy to Anand Vihar ISBT, Dilshad Garden and Anand Vihar.

7- Route number 182A will go from Kanjhawala village to Kashmere Gate via ISBT, Karala, Begumpur, Mangolpur, Madhuban Chowk, Wazirpur, B-3 Keshavpuram, Ghantaghar and Tis Hazari.

8- Rohini Sector-1 Avantika to Anand Vihar ISBT on Route No. 971 Rohini Sector-4,5 Ex-Ing, Rohini Sector-7,8 Ex-Ing, Madhuban Chowk, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Azadpur, GTB Nagar, Balkaram The hospital will go via Wazirabad, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar, Nandnagri Depot, Seemapuri and Anand Vihar.