Expanding its fleet from 3,400 to nearly 8,000, Delhi strengthens its ambition to become the nation’s EV capital.
Delhi is on course to become India’s electric vehicle (EV) capital, with plans to deploy between 7,000 and 8,000 electric buses by February 2026, according to the city’s transport ministry.
Currently, Delhi operates around 3,400 electric buses, a sharp rise from just 400 when the present transport minister, Pankaj Singh, assumed office. The fleet is projected to expand to 6,000 by the end of 2025, putting the city firmly on track to meet its public transport requirements. The planned additions will also cover last-mile connectivity through the expansion of the city’s “Devi” bus service.
Officials highlighted that route rationalisation studies show the city needs 7,000 to 8,000 buses in total. With the accelerated roll-out of e-buses, Delhi expects to achieve this requirement within the next year.
Alongside vehicle deployment, the government is finalising its EV Policy 2.0, expected to be introduced in February 2025. The updated framework will prioritise charging infrastructure, with provisions for installations in housing complexes, under flyovers, and on underutilised land in the city’s outer regions. Partnerships with Resident Welfare Associations and the private sector will be encouraged to ensure widespread coverage. The policy is also likely to include measures for phasing out older vehicles.
Delhi is additionally collaborating with Oslo under the proposed ‘Delhi-Oslo Smart Transport Initiative’. The partnership will enable knowledge exchange and access to best practices in charging infrastructure, drawing on Norway’s extensive experience in large-scale electrification.
The developments underline Delhi’s ambition to lead India’s transition to sustainable urban
