Delhi Accelerates Green Mobility with Major Budget Allocation for EV Infrastructure
In a significant push towards sustainable urban transport, the Delhi government has earmarked Rs 200 crore for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in its 2026-27 budget. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this allocation during the budget presentation on Tuesday, highlighting a broader commitment to eco-friendly initiatives.
Substantial Increase in Transport Budget
The total budget for transportation, encompassing roads and bridges, has been set at Rs 12,613 crore. This marks a substantial 38.45 percent increase from the previous year's allocation of Rs 9,110 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 8,374 crore is specifically designated for the transport department, while the remaining Rs 4,239 crore is allocated for roads and bridges.
Expansion of Electric Bus Fleet
Chief Minister Gupta detailed ambitious plans for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), aiming to expand its bus fleet to 7,500 vehicles by March 2027. This expansion will include 5,800 electric buses, with a long-term goal of achieving a fully electric fleet of approximately 12,000 buses by 2029. Currently, DTC operates over 4,300 electric buses, the highest number in the country.
Under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, an additional 6,130 electric buses will be introduced in a phased manner, further bolstering Delhi's green transport network.
Metro and RRTS Projects Receive Funding
To enhance public transit, the budget includes a provision of Rs 2,885 crore for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Phase-IV and Phase-V projects, ensuring continued expansion of the metro system. Additionally, Rs 568 crore has been allocated for the Namo Bharat (RRTS) corridors, such as Delhi-SNB (Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror) and Delhi-Panipat routes. These projects are expected to improve connectivity in the National Capital Region and reduce travel time by up to 60 percent.
Focus on EV Policy 2.0 and Infrastructure
The Rs 200 crore allocation is specifically tied to the upcoming Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, designed to accelerate EV adoption through incentives and infrastructure development. The policy will provide direct incentives to buyers over a five-year period. In a move to clear pending dues, the government has also released subsidies worth Rs 24 crore from previous years.
Green Initiatives and Automated Testing Stations
Aligning with its green vision, nearly 21 percent of the total budget is dedicated to environmental initiatives. As part of this, Rs 50 crore has been allocated for establishing five new Automated Testing Stations (ATS) at locations including Bawana, Ghazipur, Savda Ghevra, GT Karnal Road, and Dichaon Kalan. These stations will address infrastructure gaps for over 6.5 lakh commercial vehicles, ensuring better compliance and efficiency.
This comprehensive budget underscores Delhi's commitment to transforming its transport sector into a cleaner, more sustainable system, setting a benchmark for other cities in India.
