Delhi CM Rekha Gupta flags off 50 electric buses, opens ATS at Tehkhand depot
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday, 3 September inaugurated an Automated Testing Station (ATS) at the Delhi Transport Corporation's (DTC) Tehkhand Depot, launched public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Hasanpur and Ghazipur depots, and flagged off 50 new zero-emission electric buses — marking one of the most comprehensive single-day upgrades to Delhi's public transport infrastructure in recent years.
Key Developments
Chief Minister Gupta also launched an interstate e-bus service connecting Delhi and Rewari, broadening the capital's electric mobility footprint beyond city limits. A coffee table book on the DTC was unveiled at the event. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, senior officials, and public representatives attended the inauguration.
Safety and Passenger Facilities
The new electric buses have been fitted with CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and multiple other safety features, according to the Chief Minister. Gupta stated that passenger safety remained the government's top priority, adding that the expanded bus network was improving connectivity across different parts of the city.
'The expansion of the bus network is also improving connectivity between different parts of the city, ensuring safer and more convenient public transport for people,' she said.
What the Government Said
Gupta outlined four pillars the state government would focus on to strengthen Delhi's transport system: safety, sustainability, seamless connectivity, and smart infrastructure. She said the government's aim was not only to increase the number of buses but also to provide 'better and dignified facilities' to passengers.
She added that old and dilapidated bus shelters across Delhi would be modernised to complement the new fleet and present a cleaner face of the city.
Political Context
Gupta took a pointed dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, saying that during its tenure 'there was more concern about work and discussion about that concern than actual work.' She alleged the DTC remained in debt for a prolonged period, with employees — including drivers, conductors, and officials — facing unresolved difficulties.
She credited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's nearly one-and-a-half-year tenure in Delhi with bringing 'a new pace of development' to the city, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership as the guiding force.
What's Next
With the interstate e-bus corridor to Rewari now operational and EV charging infrastructure expanding across depots, the Delhi government appears to be accelerating its pivot toward electric public mobility. The modernisation of bus shelters citywide is also on the agenda, signalling that the infrastructure push is far from complete.