New Delhi: Stepping up efforts to combat air pollution and modernise public transport, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated 400 new electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative (DEVI), while reaffirming her government’s commitment to a 100% electric public transport system by next year.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Gupta said an additional 2,080 electric buses would be added to the fleet by the end of 2025. “This is the power of a triple-engine government — when the Centre, State and civic bodies work in unison,” she said.
Highlighting the urgent need for eco-friendly transport solutions, Gupta noted that vehicular emissions contribute nearly 45% of Delhi’s air pollution. “The introduction of these e-buses is not just about transportation — it’s a step toward a cleaner, healthier capital,” she said.
The Chief Minister also announced that her government is working on a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) policy to support the shift towards sustainable mobility and strengthen Delhi’s overall transport infrastructure.
Gupta’s remarks came on a day when pre-monsoon showers in the capital led to waterlogging, traffic congestion, and uprooted trees across several areas. Addressing the issue, she said that the rainfall served as a stark reminder of Delhi’s infrastructural gaps.
Calling the downpour a “warning sign,” the CM said years of underinvestment and neglect have left the city vulnerable to such disruptions. “If Delhi doesn’t undergo planned development, such management issues will persist,” she said.
Gupta, however, asserted that her government responded swiftly to the situation. “Our cabinet minister Parvesh Verma was at Minto Road by 6 am, and officers had been on the ground since 5 am,” she said. “We don’t remember any former CM or minister physically inspecting waterlogging or sewer problems. We are here to ensure Delhi doesn’t suffer due to past neglect.”
The Chief Minister praised the administration’s readiness, adding that all departments were working in coordination to clear clogged drains, manage traffic, and ensure public safety amid the rainfall-related challenges.
Gupta underscored that the triple-engine model of governance — with coordination among the BJP-led Centre, the Delhi government, and civic agencies — would drive not just immediate relief but long-term solutions. “We are committed to building an infrastructure that is not only smart and modern but also resilient to climate-induced challenges,” she said.
