New Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday flagged off 100 new electric buses and launched a new interstate bus service connecting Delhi and Dharuhera from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), calling the initiative a major step towards improving inter-state connectivity and reducing pollution.

Addressing the event, Gupta said strengthening public transport was the most effective way to tackle air pollution in the national capital.

“Today, we are starting the Delhi–Dharuhera interstate bus service. This is an important step for inter-state connectivity. Along with this, 100 new electric buses are being added to Delhi’s roads. The most effective solution to eradicate pollution is to strengthen public transport so that people shift from private vehicles,” she said.

The chief minister said Delhi currently has around 3,400 electric buses, a number that is expected to rise further by next year. She added that the government aims to convert the entire bus fleet to electric vehicles.

Gupta also announced the revival of the university bus service, which had been shut down during the previous government’s tenure. She said bus depots across the city are being renovated and equipped with charging infrastructure to support the expanding electric fleet.

Highlighting additional initiatives, the CM said automatic vehicle testing centres are being set up at Nand Nagri, Tehkhand and Burari to address the shortage of pollution certification facilities in the city.

“Due to the lack of adequate centres, many vehicles were plying without pollution certificates. New automated testing centres will address this issue,” she said.

Gupta further said a new ‘pink card’ system for women would soon be introduced, allowing free bus travel through a single swipe, eliminating the need to purchase tickets multiple times in a day.

She also reiterated the Delhi government’s financial support for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro project and said major ISBTs, including Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar, are being redeveloped using modern technology to significantly enhance capacity.

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The event was attended by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who flagged off the new buses along with the chief minister.