Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for India’s first multi-level electric bus parking depot at Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi in a step towards enhancing the national Capital’s public transportation infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, Gahlot said, “The Vasant Vihar Multilevel electric bus depot is not just a transportation hub, it is a symbol of Delhi’s future-oriented vision for urban mobility. This depot will significantly enhance our capacity to manage the growing demand for public transportation while setting new standards in sustainability and innovation.”
He added that with advanced green technologies, energy-efficient systems, and solar panels providing shading and renewable energy, this facility will not only meet today’s needs but also serve as a model for future urban infrastructure projects.The state-of-the-art electric bus depot is designed to accommodate 434 buses, which is 3.5 times the current capacity of 125. It can also accommodate 230 cars and 200 bikes in its parking area. The height of the depot will be 35 metres and will span across five acres of land, with a total built-up area of 7.6 lakh square feet and ground coverage of 1.27 lakh square feet.
The facility will include one basement and six parking levels, including the ground level, and is expected to be operational by August, 2026. The total cost of the project is Rs. 409.94 crore. Built with a focus on sustainability, solar panels of 122 KW capacity, installed at the rooftop level will not only provide shade for buses but also generate nearly 600 KWh solar energy. Additionally, the facility will be equipped with 85 charging points for both buses and public vehicles, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in the city.
Further, Gahlot added, “The ground level of the depot will house 16 maintenance bed pits, ensuring streamlined servicing operations. Further, the basement will have car and bike parking. Buses will be parked at a 45-degree angle from the first to the fifth floor, maximizing space utilization and optimizing traffic flow.”
“A 6-meter wide ramp with a gentle 1:20 slope will allow smooth two-way traffic, ensuring efficient movement within the depot. Furthermore, the depot will have its own Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and green air-purifying plants will be strategically placed at all levels, helping to improve air quality and offering a respite from Delhi’s growing pollution concerns,” he added.
