A fresh controversy has erupted in the national capital following a major event held by the Delhi government earlier this week. On February 8, 2026, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off 500 electric buses from Ramlila Maidan to mark the first anniversary of her government. While the administration stated that this move increased the city’s total e-bus fleet to 4,286, reports emerging on February 11 and 12 suggest a different story. Bus drivers and unions are now claiming that the buses displayed at the event were not new purchases but were existing vehicles recalled from various depots for the ceremony.
What is the controversy regarding the new buses?
According to recent claims made by bus drivers, the 500 electric buses showcased during the flag-off ceremony were already operating on Delhi roads for several months. Driver unions have stated that these vehicles were taken off their regular routes and brought to the venue to create a visual of a massive fleet induction. This has led to allegations from various quarters that the event was merely a public relations exercise rather than an actual launch of fresh inventory.
The official government stance remains that these were new inductions aimed at crossing the 4,000-bus milestone. However, social media reports and on-ground staff have pointed out that the vehicles did not appear fresh from the manufacturers like JBM or Switch Mobility. The administration had announced that these buses, priced around ₹2.20 crore each, would help Delhi surpass Maharashtra in having the largest electric bus fleet in India.
What other announcements were made for Delhi transport?
Despite the controversy, several key policy decisions were announced during the event to improve public transport infrastructure. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved a significant grant of ₹1,200 crore for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Out of this amount, ₹1,100 crore is dedicated to clearing salaries, pensions, and dues of employees, while ₹100 crore is set aside for modernization and charging infrastructure.
- Interstate Service: The government restarted the interstate electric bus service between Delhi and Panipat after a gap of 18 years.
- Bus Models: The fleet includes JBM Ecolife e9 and Switch EiV12 buses, which offer a range of 200 to 300 km on a single charge.
- Subsidy Clearance: The administration has cleared ₹40 crore in pending EV subsidies that were unpaid during the previous tenure.
What are the future targets for electric buses?
The government has set ambitious goals to transform public transport in the coming years. The current target is to expand the fleet to 7,500 electric buses by the end of 2026. Looking further ahead, the administration plans to have 14,000 electric buses on Delhi roads by 2028 to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
Additionally, a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and a new regulation policy for e-rickshaws are expected to be introduced soon. These policies aim to streamline the operation of electric vehicles in the city and provide better support for drivers and owners.
