Launch of Delhi's Electric Bus Service Under DEVI Scheme Postponed

The much-anticipated launch of the Mohalla Electric Bus Service, officially titled the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interchanges (DEVI), has been postponed following the Government of India’s declaration of national mourning in the wake of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Delhi Transport Department confirmed that the inauguration, initially scheduled for April 22, will be deferred, with a revised date to be announced shortly.

The DEVI scheme marks a significant step in the Delhi government’s efforts to strengthen last-mile connectivity and promote sustainable urban transport. Aimed at bridging the gap between metro stations and residential areas, the initiative will deploy small, nine-meter-long electric buses capable of operating efficiently in densely populated and narrow lanes where conventional buses often face limitations.

In its first phase, 255 electric buses will be operated from three depots — Nangli, East Vinod Nagar, and Ghazipur. Each bus is designed to seat 23 passengers, with an additional standing capacity for 13 individuals. Importantly, six seats will be reserved for women, and 25 per cent of the total seating will be made available free of cost under the Delhi government’s Pink Pass scheme, aimed at encouraging safer and more affordable travel for women.

The buses are powered by a battery system comprising six battery packs with a combined energy capacity of 196 kWh. A full charge can be completed in 45 minutes, providing a driving range of up to 200 km— sufficient for a full day’s operations within city limits.

The first operational route under the DEVI scheme, labelled MS-1, is planned to connect Akshardham Metro Station with the Mayur Vihar Phase-3 Paper Market. Key stops along this corridor include densely populated residential and commercial zones such as Trilokpuri, Kalyanpuri, and Ghazipur, offering much-needed connectivity to underserved areas.

The fare structure will mirror that of the capital’s existing fleet of air-conditioned buses, with tickets priced at ₹10, ₹15, ₹20, and ₹25 depending on the distance travelled. These rates are designed to maintain affordability while promoting a shift toward cleaner modes of transport.

The DEVI scheme is part of a broader initiative by the Delhi government to deploy over 2,000 such buses by the end of 2025. This move falls in line with Delhi’s electric vehicle policy, which prioritizes zero-emission transportation to curb air pollution and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Looking ahead, the city has set an ambitious target to integrate more than 10,000 electric buses into the public transport network by the end of the year. Officials have stated that these efforts are critical to improving air quality and traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.