Delhi CM launches ATS, flags off 50 e-buses

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated an Automated Testing Station (ATS) at the DTC’s Tehkhand Depot and public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Hasanpur and Ghazipur depots.  She also flagged off 50 new zero-emission electric buses and launched an interstate e-bus service between Delhi and Rewari. During the programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled a coffee table book on the DTC. The chief minister said the Delhi Government’s aim was not merely to discuss problems but to provide lasting solutions.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said this is the second Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand. The first ATS has already been started at Nand Nagri Depot. The four-lane automated testing centre at Tehkhand will make vehicle fitness testing more scientific, transparent and technology-driven. It will have two lanes for heavy motor vehicles, one for light motor vehicles and one for two-wheelers. The centre will have an annual testing capacity of 72,000 vehicles, including 52,000 heavy and light motor vehicles and 20,000 two-wheelers. This is the second Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand. The first ATS has already been started at Nand Nagri Depot.

During the programme, 50 new 12-metre zero-emission electric buses were flagged off after being added to the DTC fleet. The chief minister said the government’s aim was not only to increase the number of buses but also to provide better and dignified facilities to passengers. Old and dilapidated bus shelters across Delhi would also be modernised so that, along with modern buses, bus stops too looked attractive and convenient in keeping with the changing face of the city.

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, senior officials, public representatives and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

She said passenger safety was the Government’s top priority. Keeping this in mind, the new electric buses have been equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and several other safety features.

Commenting on the previous Government’s tenure, the Chief Minister said that at that time, there was more concern about work and discussion about that concern than actual work. The DTC remained in debt for a long time, employees faced difficulties, and the problems of drivers, conductors and officials remained unresolved.

The Chief Minister also referred to the free bus travel scheme for women. She said 18 lakh women had so far obtained Pink Cards.

With their addition, Delhi’s total bus fleet has increased to around 6,840 buses, comprising 5,088 electric buses and 1,752 CNG buses. Delhi now has the country’s largest electric bus fleet. The Delhi Government aims to increase the city’s bus fleet to around 14,000 buses by the financial year 2028-29.

The Delhi Government also launched a zero-emission interstate e-bus service between Delhi and Rewari to strengthen green and convenient interstate connectivity. The service will operate on the Dhaula Kuan-Gurugram-Manesar-Dharuhera-Rewari route.

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand would enable fitness testing of around 72,000 vehicles annually. With the addition of 50 new electric buses, the DTC fleet would reach around 6,840 buses, including approximately 5,100 electric buses. The Delhi-Rewari interstate e-bus service and public EV charging stations at Hasanpur and Ghazipur had also been launched.