Delhi to Restart Inter-State Bus Services After 20 Years with 100 Electric Buses Connecting 17 Cities Across 6 States, Says DTC Board
In a significant push toward green mobility, the Delhi government is set to resume inter-state bus services after over 20 years—this time with a fleet of 100 electric buses. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will operate these EVs on routes connecting Delhi to 17 cities across six neighbouring states.
Electric Buses to Connect Delhi with 17 Cities Across North India
The initiative, approved by Transport Minister Pankaj Singh in a recent DTC board meeting, aims to bolster sustainable travel and reduce pollution. The finalized routes will link Delhi to key cities in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Each electric bus will be 12 meters long, air-conditioned, and designed for long-distance comfort. Features will include GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance, and onboard panic buttons to enhance commuter safety.
Focus on Green Transport and Digital Convenience
Transport Minister Singh emphasized that this is part of the government’s broader green mobility mission. “Only electric buses will be used for these routes. We’ve started procuring the vehicles and coordinating with state governments to begin operations soon,” he said.
The upcoming service will feature app-based ticketing and reserved seating, making it convenient for daily commuters and inter-city travelers. Officials are particularly targeting users of private vehicles with a premium yet affordable AC service alternative.
Resuming a Legacy with a Modern Twist
DTC last operated inter-state services in 2004, which were phased out due to the transition to CNG and a lack of fueling infrastructure in other states. Now, with electric mobility gaining traction, the corporation sees an opportunity to revive this long-lost connectivity.
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“Earlier, DTC connected Delhi to cities like Shimla, Dharamsala, Udaipur, and Pathankot. We’re building on those insights to identify high-demand, viable routes for this new EV fleet,” an official said.
Fare structures are still under discussion, but DTC aims to keep them lower than private operators to attract maximum ridership.
