Centre, Delhi & local bodies working as one team, true strength of a triple-engine govt: CM
In a bid to enhance the last-mile connectivity in the city, the Delhi government on Friday flagged off 400 electric buses under the Delhi Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI) scheme.
'The Central government, the Delhi government, and local bodies are working as one team — this is the true strength of a 'triple-engine' government. We are united in our commitment to transform an unorganised Delhi into a better city. Today is a proud moment for all of us as we launch 400 new DEVI electric buses on Delhi's streets,' said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as she inaugurated the buses at an event held in Kushak Nallah Depot in Seva Nagar in New Delhi. She added that DEVI buses are a major step towards addressing the challenge of last-mile connectivity in the Capital.
The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State for Road Transport Harsh Malhotra, Delhi ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, among others.
The city will get 2,080 e-buses by the end of this year, the CM asserted.
Underlining that 45% of pollution is caused by vehicular emissions, Gupta said, 'The solution cannot only rely on public transport, but private vehicles must also be converted into electric vehicles. To encourage this shift, the Delhi government will soon introduce a new EV policy with attractive rebates and incentives for private vehicle owners.' Last year, the previous Aam Aadmi Party government had launched a trial for Mohalla buses to ensure better connectivity.
The BJP, however, after coming to power in February, renamed the Mohalla Bus Service as DEVI buses. 'Delhi has always been blessed with the divine grace of Maa Durga. Despite many disasters and challenges, this city has always stood resilient and continued to grow. It is in the honour of this spirit of faith and strength that we have named these new electric buses DEVI,' said the CM.
The electric buses are equipped with advanced features like CCTV cameras, a live tracking system, and panic buttons. The buses also have facilities for the differently-abled.
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