By Ritu Sharma, Transport Correspondent
Published: June 23, 2025 | Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Key Quote from Official Press Release
“To strengthen last-mile connectivity and reduce urban congestion, the Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, will commence operations of 100 new electric feeder buses from July 1, 2025.”
— Transport Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi transport.delhi.gov.in
5 Key Takeaways
- Launch Date & Fleet Size: 100 electric feeder buses begin service on July 1, 2025.
- Routes Covered: Initial coverage of 10 routes linking 15 metro stations, including high-traffic hubs such as Anand Vihar and Shastri Park.
- Fares: Flat fare of ₹5 for trips up to 4 km; ₹10 for 4–10 km; ₹15 beyond 10 km (smart-card enabled).
- Women’s Safety & Accessibility: 25% of seats reserved for women; buses are fully air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible.
- Sustainability Impact: Aligned with Delhi’s EV Policy and supported by FAME India incentives, aiming to cut 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions monthly.
What’s New?
From July 1, commuters will see green-and-white electric buses parked alongside metro corridors. According to Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, these buses will operate at 10-minute frequencies during peak hours, reducing wait times and easing last-mile gaps hindustantimes.com.
Expert Analysis
“Localized feeder services can slash average commute times by up to 15% and encourage a shift from private vehicles,”
says Amit Bhatt, Managing Director (India), International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) hindustantimes.com.
A recent ICCT study highlights that mini-bus feeders improve network resilience and lower per-passenger emissions compared to conventional 12 m buses.
Timeline of Last-Mile Connectivity in Delhi
- December 2019: DMRC launches first 100 e-feeder buses on two pilot routes.
- April 22, 2025: Delhi government rebrands and rolls out 76 electric buses under the DEVI initiative urbanacres.in.
- July 1, 2025: New 100-bus feeder service launches under Transport Department management.
What This Means for Commuters
Q: Will Metro smart cards be accepted?
A: Yes, seamless tap-in/tap-out with existing DMRC cards.
Q: Are these buses wheelchair-accessible?
A: All buses feature low-floor boarding and dedicated wheelchair bays.
Q: How will frequencies change?
A: Peak-hour headways of 10 minutes; off-peak every 15–20 minutes.
Fact-Check
| Claim | Source | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Buses fully electric & air-conditioned | Press release, Transport Dept transport.delhi.gov.in | Confirmed via official specs |
| 25% seats reserved for women | HT interview with Minister hindustantimes.com | Verified in ministerial statement |
| Flat fare structure | DMRC fare chart delhimetrorail.info | Matches published tariff |
Daily Digest
- Delhi Air Quality Index: AQI hovers in ‘Moderate’ category; EV push expected to improve metrics.
- Phase 4 Updates: DMRC’s Phase 4 expansion to Delhi Sudhir Nagar set to open in August.
- Cluster Bus Rationalisation: Delhi govt to review 12 m bus routes next quarter for optimised overlap.
