Latest news with #DelhiElectricVehicleInterconnector
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
In trans-Yamuna region, hurdles in route mapping delaying DEVi bus trials
As the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) begins trial runs of its compact 9-metre Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) buses in the trans-Yamuna region, the ambitious neighbourhood bus service is running into real-world roadblocks. From electric poles and trees in the middle of narrow streets to shifting weekly markets, illegal parking, and roadside encroachments, officials say several logistical challenges are complicating route rationalisation in East Delhi. The Delhi government, in collaboration with researchers from IIT Delhi, initiated the route-mapping project earlier this year to prepare for the roll-out of DEVi buses, first introduced in 2023 by the AAP government as Mohalla buses. The rebranded service was formally launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 2 from Ghazipur, Nangloi, and East Vinod Nagar depots, with 400 buses flagged off. Building on that, the Chief Minister on July 15 announced that a pilot route planning project would begin in Yamuna Vihar, with the goal of replicating the model across the Capital. Logistical hurdles However, the on-ground reality in East Delhi's dense neighbourhoods is proving complex. 'From electric poles at intersections, trees blocking turns, to narrow culverts and roadside markets, everything affects whether and when a bus can pass,' said a senior DTC official involved in the trial runs. He cited weekly markets that occupy different lanes on different days, affecting day-wise accessibility. 'If a market runs on Tuesdays in one locality, buses may have to avoid that route from 4 p.m. onwards. In Trilokpuri, for instance, there's simply not enough space for a DEVi bus to turn around when the market is active. Only bikes or cycles can pass through,' the official said. In cases involving trees or power poles, temporary route detours are the only solution for now. Removing electric poles involves multiple agencies and long processes, and the corporation has clarified that it has no intention of cutting down trees obstructing narrow lanes. Community cooperation For encroachments by private shops or illegal parking, officials say community support is critical. 'Large-scale removal of encroachments often causes unrest. But if Resident Welfare Associations and market bodies cooperate, the process becomes much easier,' the official added. Despite these operational snags, another senior official exuded confidence and said the problems will be ironed out in the long term. 'It is a one-of-a-kind initiative in India. There is no ready model to copy. These logistical issues are being mapped as we go. In the next neighbourhoods, we will be better prepared,' the official said. A similar model was tested earlier by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 2019 with its 9-metre feeder buses from Shastri Park and Majlis Park depots. However, the buses, run by private operators, were transferred to Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS) in 2023 after struggling with profitability and route rationalisation. 'The biggest issue was route planning. Limited buses and inconsistent connectivity made the feeder model unviable as a last-mile option,' said a senior DMRC official.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
City's ISBTs will be revamped into world-class passenger terminals: CM
In a bid to transform the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the Delhi government announced on Tuesday that the city's three Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) – Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar – will be redeveloped into world-class passenger terminals. In a high-level meeting held by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, along with other top officials from the transport department, a slew of developments, including the introduction of a larger number of public buses, the upgradation of bus shelters, the issuance of unified travel cards, and the revamp of ISBTs, were finalised. This announcement comes after the State government noted that the severely loss-making DTC requires an overhaul. Following this, the Delhi government collaborated with IIT Delhi to rationalise routes for both the 9-metre and 12-metre Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) buses, alongside increasing the number of both fleets of buses. 'Both small and large [DEVi] buses' numbers are being increased, and the new routes are being strategically planned to enhance accessibility for commuters. Our government envisions DTC as a symbol of excellent transport service in Delhi,' she said. Stating that this plan is intended to improve bus connectivity in underserved localities and ensure better integration with metro services, Ms. Gupta said that a pilot project will be initiated in Yamuna Vihar, following which the model will be implemented across the city. The Delhi government has also decided to introduce unified smart travel cards for all modes of public transport in Delhi. 'This card will enable seamless travel across DTC buses, Delhi Metro, and the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS),' said Ms. Gupta. She also announced that a special Pink Card for women and transgender commuters will be introduced, which will allow them free travel in DTC buses. Meanwhile, the CM also announced the modernisation of Bus Queue Shelters (BQS) across the capital. 'All BQS will be upgraded with real-time arrival displays, LED lighting, digital boards, solar power support, and weather-resistant designs,' she said.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
2 injured as Delhi govt's new DEVI bus rams bicycle in Loni
Two people got injured on Friday morning after a Delhi government bus rammed their bicycle in Loni area, police said, adding that it was the government's recently launched Devi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) bus. 'The electric bus involved in the accident was speeding and driven rashly. It later hit two people travelling on a bicycle. One of the injured, Kailash Singh, 52, lost a leg while Ghanshyam did not sustain serious injuries. They both were rushed to a hospital in Delhi, and are under treatment,' Ajay Kumar Singh, ACP of Ankur Vihar Circle, said. 'Once the families file a complaint, we will register an FIR. The electric bus from Delhi was seized soon after the incident,' the ACP added. Harendra Malik, SHO of Loni Border police station said the driver has been identified. They will detain him once a complaint is filed. The incident triggered a political spat between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with the former blaming the BJP government for the incident, claiming the buses are being handed over to the drivers without any training. 'A tragic accident happened at Loni border – who is responsible? Delhi government's Devi electric bus crushed several people. This accident is not just an accident, it is the result of the gross negligence of the BJP government running in Delhi. The bus is handed over to the driver without training. Drivers are being recruited through private companies with no standards of experience and safety. Why is an important public service like DTC being given on contract? Why are drivers not being properly trained? Why is every week some innocent person losing his life on the road? This is not just an accident, this is a picture of the failure of Rekha Gupta's government,' AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha said in a post on X. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor hit out at the AAP, saying that the 'so-called untrained drivers have been working since the time of the AAP government.' When asked about the incident, a transport department official said necessary actions will be taken as per relevant laws after a complaint is filed.
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Delhi government to set up unified metropolitan transport authority; cabinet proposal likely by end of this month
By Tanya Chugh New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The Delhi government is planning to set up UMTA (Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority) to improve public transport in the state. The aim is to have better coordination among public transport agencies. It further aims to improve public transport coordination and project implementation, to streamline the public transport system by facilitating better communication and cooperation between different transport agencies. The Transport Department may present a Cabinet proposal regarding this plan by the end of this month, said top sources. The Transport Department is currently working on the entire plan. In addition, consultations are being held with the Pollution Control Board, Traffic Police, the Finance Department, and the Urban Development Department. The UMTA would act as a coordinating body which would manage and improve the public transport in the state. If the plan gets approval, it would facilitate communication and collaboration between various transport agencies to ensure a more integrated and efficient system. To enhance the public transport infrastructure, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) had previously issued a new SOP. Under this, the faulty buses will be removed within 15 minutes. Cranes and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at 30 key locations across Delhi have been deployed by DTC that monitor function to remove the faulty buses. Also, DTC has started with a new project where it aims to generate Rs 2600 crores after its depots become commercial hubs. The decision came in a bid to rescue the continuously loss-making Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Approvals have been granted for the redevelopment of Banda Bahadur Marg and Sukhdev Vihar depots, a top source to ANI. New electric buses DEVi, Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector, have also been launched by the government. A fleet of 200 new buses was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi in the national capital on 5th June on the occasion of World Environment Day. (ANI)
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
For clean & green Delhi, 200 e-buses flagged off
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off 200 electric buses , which will be deployed as part of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster Scheme bus services under the Delhi govt. Modi said, "This initiative will contribute to building a clean and green Delhi . It will also improve the 'ease of living' for the people of Delhi." In a post on X, PM said: "Flagged off electric buses under an initiative of the Delhi govt aimed at boosting sustainable development and clean urban mobility. This will also improve 'ease of living' for the people of Delhi." Describing the buses as a "a tremendous asset for Delhi", chief minister Rekha Gupta said, "These are highly comfortable buses equipped with cameras and panic buttons for passenger safety. They have a low floor and are air-conditioned." She further stated, "By 2027, the entire fleet of buses provided by the Delhi govt will be electric. We are also working on a new EV policy." Last month, Gupta had flagged off 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) scheme and announced that an additional 2,080 electric buses would be introduced by the end of this year. The Delhi govt plans to deploy 900 electric buses in the coming months as around 5,000 of the city's 7,500 buses are due to be retired this year. Currently, Delhi operates about 7,500 buses, including both DTC and cluster services. The govt aims to expand the fleet rapidly as many buses are aging and approaching retirement. Transport minister Pankaj Singh stated that orders for thousands of new buses have been placed to maintain adequate public transport services. Singh also mentioned that approximately 4,000 buses will be phased out this year, to be replaced gradually by electric buses. In 2018, the Delhi govt informed the Supreme Court that the city requires 11,000 buses to meet its transportation needs. The upcoming purchases include both 12-metre and smaller nine-metre buses. To reduce traffic congestion and improve passenger convenience, DTC is also implementing route rationalisation to increase bus availability in high-density areas. According to data, DTC recorded an average daily ridership of 25.99 lakh in 2023-24, while cluster buses saw a lower daily ridership of 16.44 lakh. Under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) scheme, BJP govt has introduced small nine-metre buses, designed to serve areas inaccessible to larger 12-metre buses.
