NDMC chief rides Delhi Metro to office, launches green mobility push
Synopsis
NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra rode the Delhi Metro to work on 19 May — not as a stunt, but as the opening act of a multi-pronged green mobility rollout that includes EV autos from Palika Kendra to Metro stations, employee shuttle buses from housing colonies, and a 50% EV parking discount at all notified sites in New Delhi.
Key Takeaways
NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra commuted via Delhi Metro and an electric auto to Palika Kendra on 19 May .
EV Auto service launched from 15 May connecting Palika Kendra to Patel Chowk , Rajiv Chowk , Janpath Metro stations, and SBS Gole Market .
Bus Shuttle Service introduced from NDMC housing complexes including Sarojini Nagar , Jor Bagh , Chanakyapuri , Rohini , and Saket .
50% concession on parking charges for Electric Vehicles at all notified NDMC parking sites.
Weekly Senior Officers Meeting shifted to virtual format to reduce inter-office travel and fuel consumption.
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra on Tuesday, 19 May commuted to his Palika Kendra office via the Delhi Metro, personally demonstrating the civic body's new green mobility drive and urging both employees and citizens to shift to sustainable transport options. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide call for fuel conservation and clean energy adoption.
How Chandra Made the Commute
Chandra, accompanied by colleagues and senior officers, boarded the Metro at Lok Kalyan Marg and alighted at Rajiv Chowk, completing the final stretch to the office in an electric auto. On arrival, he chaired the weekly Senior Officers Meeting (SoM) virtually from headquarters — a deliberate step to cut down inter-office travel and fuel use among officers stationed at external locations.
New EV and Shuttle Services Rolled Out
The NDMC has introduced an EV Auto service from 15 May connecting Palika Kendra with nearby Metro stations — Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Janpath — as well as SBS Gole Market and various NDMC field offices. The service is designed to offer employees a convenient, economical, and emission-free last-mile option.
Alongside, the council has launched a Bus Shuttle Service from its housing complexes across New Delhi and Delhi to Palika Kendra. Colonies covered include Palika Awas Sarojini Nagar, Amrit Kal Niwas Jor Bagh, Bapu Dham Chanakyapuri, Valmiki Sadan Mandir Marg, nearby council residential colonies, and complexes at Rohini and Saket.
EV Parking Incentive for Citizens
In a parallel measure targeting the wider public, the NDMC has announced a 50 per cent concession on parking charges for Electric Vehicles (EVs) at all notified parking sites under its jurisdiction in New Delhi. Officials say the discount is intended to accelerate EV uptake in the heart of the national capital.
NDMC's Broader Green Commitment
Chandra stated that the council remains committed to the vision of 'Green India' and 'Sustainable Urban Development', and will continue working towards making New Delhi a cleaner, greener, and environmentally sustainable city. Notably, the simultaneous rollout of Metro-linked EV autos, employee shuttle buses, and EV parking incentives marks one of the more comprehensive green-mobility packages announced by a New Delhi civic body in recent years.
The initiative is expected to set a behavioural benchmark for other municipal agencies, with NDMC leadership signalling that senior officers are expected to lead by example on sustainable commuting going forward.
Point of View
But the substance lies in the simultaneous policy rollout — EV autos, shuttle buses, and parking incentives launched together signal intent beyond symbolism. The real test is uptake: whether NDMC employees actually use the shuttle and EV auto services, or whether these become under-utilised assets like many earlier civic green schemes. A 50% EV parking concession is meaningful only if NDMC's notified parking infrastructure is well-maintained and clearly signposted — two things New Delhi's civic agencies have historically struggled with. The initiative is worth watching as a potential model, but execution data will matter far more than the chairman's commute photo.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What green mobility steps has the NDMC announced?
The NDMC has launched an EV Auto service between Palika Kendra and nearby Metro stations, a Bus Shuttle Service from employee housing complexes, and a 50% parking concession for Electric Vehicles at all notified sites. These measures were announced on 19 May by NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra.
When did the NDMC EV Auto service start?
The EV Auto service began on 15 May, connecting Palika Kendra to Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Janpath Metro stations, as well as SBS Gole Market and various NDMC field offices.
Which housing colonies are covered under the NDMC shuttle bus service?
The shuttle service covers Palika Awas Sarojini Nagar, Amrit Kal Niwas Jor Bagh, Bapu Dham Chanakyapuri, Valmiki Sadan Mandir Marg, nearby council residential colonies, and complexes at Rohini and Saket.
What is the EV parking concession offered by NDMC?
NDMC is offering a 50% concession on parking charges for Electric Vehicles at all notified parking sites under its jurisdiction in New Delhi, aimed at encouraging EV adoption among citizens.
Why did NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra take the Metro to office?
Chandra took the Delhi Metro on 19 May to personally demonstrate NDMC's green mobility drive and to inspire employees and citizens to adopt sustainable transport, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for fuel conservation and clean transportation.
