Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is doubling down on green transport with her ‘Maha Sankalp’ against Delhi’s pollution plague. At the heart of this vow: deploying 3,330 state-of-the-art electric buses to revolutionize public mobility.
The capital’s air, often ranked world’s worst, triggers health emergencies yearly. Crop burning in neighboring states compounds local vehicle exhaust, creating a deadly brew. Electric buses, with zero tailpipe emissions, target this vicious cycle head-on.
Speaking at a packed rally, Gupta outlined the vision: seamless integration into the existing DTC network, real-time tracking apps for users, and women-only EV routes for safety. ‘Pollution is our common enemy; unity is our weapon,’ she rallied supporters.
Phased over 36 months, the procurement involves global tenders for high-capacity models. Ancillary benefits include job creation in battery tech and reduced oil imports. Pollution control boards project a 15-25% drop in NOx emissions post-deployment.
Skeptics question affordability and maintenance, citing high upfront costs. But proponents argue long-term savings on fuel and health bills justify the push. As electric vehicles gain traction nationwide, Delhi’s grand experiment could inspire megacities everywhere.