As the 18th G20 Summit approaches, Delhi is making headlines by bolstering its commitment to sustainable transportation. The city has introduced a remarkable addition to its public transit system: 400 brand-new electric buses, establishing itself as the leading metropolis in India with the largest fleet of electric buses.
A Significant Milestone with Tata Motors
Delhi’s impressive feat is primarily attributed to the procurement of 400 Starbus Electric Vehicles (EVs) from Tata Motors, a renowned name in the Indian automotive industry. With these latest additions, Delhi’s Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) now boasts an impressive fleet of 800 electric buses. This substantial investment is part of DTC’s extensive plan to provide and maintain a total of 1,200 air-conditioned, low-floor electric buses over a 12-year period through its collaboration with Tata Motors subsidiary, TML CV Mobility.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
Delhi’s forward-thinking approach extends well into the future. By the close of 2023, the city envisions further expanding its electric bus fleet to a staggering 1,900 vehicles. Looking ahead to 2025, Delhi sets its sights on a total of 10,480 buses, with a remarkable 8,280 of them being electric. This transition towards electric mobility is not only ambitious but environmentally conscious, with the potential to reduce annual CO2 emissions by a significant 4.67 lakh tonnes. Over the span of 12 years, this equates to a cumulative savings of an astounding 5.6 million tonnes.
The Tata Starbus EV: A Technological Marvel
At the heart of Delhi’s electric bus revolution is the Tata Starbus EV, a technological marvel designed to optimize energy consumption, resulting in minimal energy usage and operational costs. These buses prioritize passenger comfort with features such as easy boarding and driver-friendly operations, all while maintaining a commitment to zero emissions. Notably, the Tata Starbus EV incorporates advanced safety and technology features, including electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, air suspension, an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), and a panic button, among others.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Delhi
Delhi, grappling with the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted cities in the nation, anticipates a breath of “clean” relief with the proliferation of electric buses on its roadways. The Central Government’s introduction of FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) subsidies has played a pivotal role in supporting India’s transition to electric mobility, and DTC’s substantial order is set to benefit from these incentives.
In conclusion, Delhi’s transformation into a city with the largest fleet of electric buses in India is not only a monumental achievement but also a testament to the city’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. As it gears up to host the G20 Summit, Delhi showcases its dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship on a global stage.