The Delhi government on Sunday launched 300 new electric buses with rationalised routes and inaugurated a six-lane flyover improving connectivity and traffic flow in North East Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the 300 DTC ‘Devi’ electric buses from East Vinod Nagar Bus Depot. Simultaneously, she dedicated the newly constructed six-lane flyover between Nand Nagri and Gagan Cinema to the public.
The flyover, built at a cost of about Rs 180 crore, is expected to benefit over one lakh commuters daily. The events saw Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, a local MP, and Delhi’s Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh in attendance. The 300 new electric buses mark the beginning of a “new era of public transport,” the Chief Minister stated. For the first time, bus routes in Delhi have been rationalised, starting with the Trans-Yamuna region. The routes, designed by IIT Delhi based on passenger demand, aim to extend connectivity from border areas to the innermost parts of the region. “Passengers won’t face inconvenience, and DTC won’t suffer losses,” Chief Minister said.
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed that 21 new routes have been launched in the Trans-Yamuna region, covering 625 bus stops. A similar study is already underway to implement rationalised routes across the entire city for last-mile connectivity. Chief Minister also announced that all public transport buses in Delhi will be converted to electric vehicles within the next 12 to 18 months, aligning with the ‘Green Delhi - Clean Delhi’ commitment. She criticised the previous government for “11 years of corruption and negligence,” asserting her government was determined to build a ‘Viksit Delhi.’
Later in the day, Chief Minister along with North-East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma inaugurated the six lane flyover to improve connectivity between Signature Bridge and Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Speaker of Delhi Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
The flyover is part of the Delhi government’s major infrastructure push for the national capital. Constructed at a cost of around Rs 180 crore, the flyover corridor is 1,550 metres in length and 22 metres wide. With its opening, the Nand Nagri and Gagan Cinema junction has now become fully signal-free, enabling more than one lakh vehicles daily to save an average of 14 minutes each. This will not only reduce travel time but also result in major savings of man-hours and fuel. The project will also deliver significant environmental benefits, including a reduction in carbon emissions from the very first year.
The Chief Minister said that this flyover is a major step towards making Delhi pollution-free and ensuring a seamless traffic system. “This project further strengthens the resolve of a developed Delhi and will play a vital role in reducing pollution, saving energy, and improving the quality of life of citizens.” She noted that this long-delayed and incomplete flyover has today been dedicated to the public, which in itself is historic.
“Our government’s aim is that the benefits of development should not remain limited to urban areas but also empower and enrich Yamuna Par and rural areas equally.” Speaking on the occasion, Verma explained that the flyover was delayed for 16 months due to clearance issues related to 27 trees. The current government handled the permissions systematically and got the project completed quickly. “For the first time, the Centre, Delhi Government and the Corporation have worked together. Our message is simple; real work is the best advertisement,” he said.