‘Clean mobility a priority’: CM marks a year in office

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Sunday flagged off 500 new electric buses at Ramlila Maidan, kicking off a series of events to mark the completion of one year of the BJP government in the Capital.

Addressing the gathering, with the buses lined up at the venue, Ms. Gupta said Delhi’s electric bus fleet has now risen to 4,286 and will be expanded to 14,000 by 2028 under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Till mid-2024, a total of 1,970 electric buses had been procured.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways data for February, Delhi leads the country in electric buses at 4,286, followed by Maharashtra (4,001), Karnataka (1,989), Gujarat (1,041), Telangana (875), and Uttar Pradesh (874).

Twin goals

“This step will not only strengthen connectivity across the city but will also play a significant role in reducing air pollution,” said the CM. She added that her government is working simultaneously on an effective electric vehicle (EV) policy for private vehicles, accelerating metro expansion projects, and improving last-mile connectivity, all with the twin goals of improving commuter convenience and air quality via clean mobility.

The BJP returned to power in the Capital after 27 years on February 8 last year, by winning 48 of the 70 Assembly seats and defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Ms. Gupta, who took oath on February 20, said the government will inaugurate several projects by February 20 to mark the anniversary and present a report card to the people of Delhi on February 21.

‘Complete disarray’

Attacking the previous AAP government, the Shalimar Bagh MLA said her administration inherited a city grappling with neglected civic infrastructure. “The previous government left the DTC in complete disarray, with losses of nearly ₹65,000 crore,” the Chief Minister said.

“Our government has begun taking concrete steps to pull DTC out of losses and transform it into a modern, reliable and self-reliant public transport system,” she said, adding that undoing years of “mismanagement” would take time, but the government is committed to building a developed Delhi.

Ms. Gupta said rapid induction of electric buses over the past year had already helped reduce pollution levels while offering passengers safer, more comfortable and affordable travel. She also announced the approval of a ₹1,200-crore grant for the DTC, providing major relief to employees and pensioners. Of this, ₹1,100 crore has been earmarked for salaries, pensions and statutory dues while ₹100 crore will be used for transport modernisation and adoption of advanced technologies.

‘Right intent’

Mr. Nabin, in his address, thanked the people of Delhi for placing their trust in the BJP. “Earlier governments relied on announcements and hoardings, but results were rarely visible on the ground. This government has shown that with the right intent, sound policy and decisive leadership, delivery is possible,” he said.

The BJP president added that the availability of funds will never be a hurdle when governance priorities are clear.