100 Devi Buses Flagged Off From Narela
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 100 Devi electric buses from the newly built Narela bus depot, with a striking change—the colour has been changed from green to saffron.
Traditionally, green signifies eco-friendly practices, and the colour switch has stirred up a debate.
AAP Delhi convener Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "BJP wants to hurt Hindu sentiments by painting Devi buses saffron. Stains of vomit, paan, spit and mucus on buses will offend Hindu faith."
Defending the move, Gupta said, "Delhi is vibrant and colourful…so, as an experiment, green and orange buses have been introduced."
She added that the launch coincided with Rath Yatra and was dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
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The nine-metre-long Devi buses, each with 23 seats and standing space for 17 people, are ideal for navigating the city's narrow lanes and specially designed for efficient last-mile connectivity. The low-floor, AC, wheelchair-friendly buses are equipped with panic buttons, CCTV cameras and real-time tracking features. Over 2,000 e-buses are already operational in Delhi, Gupta said.
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Some of the new buses will be driven by women, an inspiring initiative by Delhi govt, the chief minister's office stated.
Gupta emphasised govt's commitment to strengthening public transport and building a cleaner, greener and more connected capital. "We promised to modernise every bus depot and terminus in Delhi, and construct new ones to ensure seamless, safe and widespread transport access. Today's terminus and Devi buses stand testimony to that commitment."
She added that the Rs 2.63-crore depot was completed in just 90 days, reflecting govt's efficiency and dedication.
Sharing key features of the Sector A-9 facility, CM said that developed on approximately 4,000 square metre, the terminus included modern facilities for both passengers and buses. With three dedicated bus bays and two high-tech sheds, the depot is designed as a modern public transport hub. It includes parking for buses, a new pass section, staff and passenger canteens, medical facilities, clean toilets, RO water plant, pantry and EV charging stations.
Gupta said the depot would operate 75 buses on nine major routes, most of which would be electric. The routes will connect with areas like Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar and border regions, improving transit in northwest Delhi and promoting the vision of green, clean public transport throughout the city.
Highlighting how routes were reduced, per-kilometre costs inflated and thousands of DTC employees were rendered jobless earlier, Gupta claimed, "The previous govts were more focused on profit than performance.
For the first time, Delhi has a govt that values work over money."
She said the goal was to convert 100% of Delhi's public transport fleet to electric, reducing pollution and providing safe, comfortable and eco-friendly travel options. "This is not just a bus launch, it is a firm step towards transforming Delhi's transport future."
Calling the launch a historic milestone for the city, transport minister Pankaj Singh said the depot would ensure safer and more accessible transport for every citizen.
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