Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurates state-of-the-art Narela Bus Terminal; Green Transportation to reach every corner of Delhi from Narela

New Delhi, 27 June : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today inaugurated the newly constructed DTC Bus Depot at Sector A-9, Narela, and flagged off more than 100 new DEVi electric buses. Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized the Delhi Government’s commitment to strengthening public transport and building a cleaner, greener, and more connected capital. The event was graced by Delhi Cabinet Ministers Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh,  Ravinder Singh Indraj, MP Yogendra Chandolia, Chief Secretary  Dharmendra, along with hundreds of local residents, DTC officials, and public representatives. Marking a symbolic step towards women empowerment, some of the new DEVi buses were driven by women drivers – an inspiring and unique initiative by the Delhi Government.

In her address, the Chief Minister said, “We had promised to modernize every bus depot and terminal in Delhi and construct new ones to ensure seamless, safe, and widespread transport access. Today’s terminal and DEVi buses stand testimony to that commitment.” She added that the depot was completed in just 90 days, reflecting the government’s efficiency and dedication.

Sharing key features of the Sector A-9 Narela Bus Terminal, the CM stated that it has been developed on approximately 4000 square meters of land. The terminal includes modern facilities for both passengers and buses. With three dedicated bus bays and two high-tech sheds (34m and 40m in length), it is designed as a modern public transport hub. It also includes parking for buses, a new pass section, staff and passenger canteens, medical facilities, clean toilets, RO water plant, pantry, and EV charging stations – ensuring all basic and advanced amenities.

She further said that this terminal, built at a cost of ₹2.63 crore, will operate 75 buses on 9 major routes, most of which will be electric. These buses will connect areas like Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar, and border regions. The depot will not only improve transit in North-West Delhi but also promote the vision of green, clean public transport throughout the capital.

Dedicating the third fleet of DEVi buses to Delhiites, CM Gupta said these low-floor, AC, wheelchair-friendly buses are equipped with panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and real-time tracking features. At 9 meters long, these e-buses are specially designed for efficient last-mile connectivity. She informed that over 2000 electric buses are already operational in Delhi, and the government is working towards making the entire transport system electric by 2027. She also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing even better facilities in rural areas than in urban localities.

Criticizing the previous governments, CM Gupta said they pushed the once-vibrant DTC into crisis. As per the CAG report, DTC currently suffers a loss of over ₹65,000 crore – equivalent to 65% of Delhi’s total budget. She mentioned that while Delhi once had 850 bus routes, the number was cut in half while operating costs doubled. Massive scams occurred in ticketing and women’s free travel due to lack of transparent systems.

The Chief Minister also accused previous regimes of irregularities in the installation of panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and in staff training and recruitment. She highlighted how routes were reduced, per-kilometre costs inflated, and thousands of DTC employees were rendered jobless. She said, “The previous governments were more focused on profit than performance. For the first time, Delhi has a government that values work over money.” CM Gupta assured that her government is working towards building a transparent, accountable, and people-centric transport system.

She said the goal is to convert 100% of Delhi’s public transport fleet to electric, reducing pollution and providing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel options. “This is not just a bus launch – it is a firm step toward transforming Delhi’s transport future,” she said.

Delhi’s Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh called the inauguration of the Sector A-9 Narela DTC Bus Terminal and the launch of DEVi electric buses a historic milestone for the capital. He said the terminal, built on 4000 square meters, is a high-tech facility that will ensure better, safer, and more accessible transport for every citizen. He highlighted that this terminal is not only equipped with smart facilities but also with charging, maintenance, and parking infrastructure for electric buses – showcasing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Dr. Singh added that Delhi Government’s goal is to make the capital India’s first 100% electric public transport city – a step aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat Ki Viksit Rajdhani” .