The Delhi government introduced 400 nine-meter-long electric buses on May 2nd, 2025, under the initiative known as the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVI). This program is designed to enhance last-mile connectivity throughout the city. These air-conditioned mini buses are specifically crafted to improve the travel experience for passengers by navigating through narrow residential streets and linking to major roads and metro stations.
Minister Pankaj Singh emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "With this program, residents will not need to walk more than 500 meters to access public transport. This is particularly beneficial for Delhiites living in areas where the larger 12-meter DTC buses cannot operate due to the constraints of narrow lanes."
However, upon reviewing data from various sources, it becomes evident that the number of buses in Delhi is insufficient. With a population of 3.3 crore and an estimated 1.5 crore vehicles, mostly cars and bikes are on the roads, there is one vehicle for every two people. The city also sees a significant daily increase in vehicles, with around 1800 new vehicles being registered each day.
In comparison to the 1.5 crore private vehicles—34% of which are cars and 66% two-wheelers—Delhi has only 8450 buses. A recent study highlights the disparity in bus availability in major cities worldwide; for instance, London, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong boast 80-90 buses per one lakh population, while Delhi has only 45 buses. Furthermore, improvements are needed in the frequency, reliability, accessibility, and affordability of the bus services.
