Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 27: In a significant step towards strengthening the national capital's eco-friendly public transport network, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 105 new DEVI (Delhi EV Inter-connector) electric buses and inaugurated the newly constructed Sector A9 bus depot at Narela.

Draped in a fresh orange hue, these nine-metre-long electric buses boast air conditioning, real-time monitoring systems, and panic buttons for passenger safety—features that Chief Minister Gupta termed as essential for “modern, clean and corruption-free commuting.”

“This depot was completed in just 90 days,” Gupta said during her address, lauding the speed of execution as a reflection of the BJP government’s commitment. “Compare this with the chaos and corruption of the past. The AAP government hollowed out the DTC, slashed bus routes, and left it bleeding with Rs 65,000 crore in losses as noted in the CAG report,” she alleged.

Taking a sharp dig at the opposition, Gupta questioned the credibility of AAP’s flagship initiatives. “They installed panic buttons just for show and misled the public when we transitioned to digital ticketing by claiming it would end free travel for women. It was simply a measure to check rampant ticketing fraud,” she said.

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh, who shared the dais, said the rollout was long overdue. “These buses should have hit the roads last monsoon. AAP sat on files while people waited. The BJP is now delivering on what others only promised,” Singh said.

This latest fleet also marks a visual transition—with orange replacing the traditional green as the new colour of DEVI buses. Singh called it a sign of “energy and visibility” that matches the BJP’s developmental thrust.

Delhi BJP leader Yogender Chandolia dismissed claims by AAP leaders that the buses were previously procured and merely repainted. “If that were the case, why weren’t they deployed earlier? These are brand new buses, designed for Delhi’s congested lanes—with seating for 23 and standing space for 17,” he said.

He further credited the launch as the beginning of the “Rekha Gupta Model”—defined by clean governance, smart infrastructure, and people-first policy-making.

With over 2,000 electric buses currently in operation across the city, Delhi officials reiterated their goal of achieving 100% electrification of the bus fleet by 2027, with more such additions on the way.