In a significant move towards strengthening last-mile connectivity in Delhi, Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot today inspected the Prototype 9m Mohalla bus at Rajghat depot. Following the inspection, he boarded the bus and reached Vidhan Sabha to attend the ongoing Budget session.
In a statement, Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot stated “In Delhi, more than 40 lakh bus trips are completed by commuters daily, utilizing the 7,582 buses operated by the Delhi Government. These 9-meter Mohalla buses has 23 passenger seats and are designed for shorter routes within Delhi, serving as a vital mode of first and last-mile connectivity for our citizens. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, we are committed to enhancing the public transportation network and ensuring efficient mobility solutions for all residents of Delhi.”
He further highlighted the technological specifications of the prototype, stating, “The bus I rode in today is equipped with a 196kW battery, providing a range of 120-130 km on a full charge, allowing it to easily complete 10-15 round trips on a single charge.”
The Mohalla buses have been colored greenish for easy passenger identification. Additionally, 25% of the seats ( 6 seats) are pink, reserved exclusively for women passengers. Women can also avail free rides on these buses through Pink passes.
The Mohalla Bus Scheme aims to deploy 9-meter-long electric buses to provide neighborhood or feeder bus services. The scheme signifies a significant step towards establishing a sustainable and accessible transportation system in the city. The Kejriwal government plans to introduce a total of 2,180 such buses by 2025, catering specifically to areas with limited road width or overcrowding.
A total of 2,080 such buses are being procured by the Delhi Government as part of its mission to go electric and provide smooth last-mile connectivity. These buses will help in boosting first and last-mile connectivity for the people, particularly in areas where standard 12m buses face operational challenges due to their size and turning radius. Delhiites can expect to see these buses on city roads by next month.
By the end of 2025, Delhi aims to have a total of 10,480 buses, out of which 80% will be electric. Additionally, efforts are underway to electrify over 60 depots, with 16 depots already fully operational.
