Interstate commuting between Delhi and Karnal is set to become significantly smoother and eco-friendly as the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has officially launched its new air-conditioned (AC) electric bus service along this key transit corridor. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu flagged off the new fleet of electric buses alongside several other electric vehicle (EV) initiatives on Wednesday. This new service is aimed at offering passengers a comfortable, zero-emission journey while actively contributing to emission reduction across the National Capital Region.
Route Details and Key Halts Along the 133-Km Corridor
Operating over a 133-kilometer one-way distance, the new interstate route directly connects Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate in Delhi with the city of Karnal in Haryana. To begin operations, five AC electric buses have been deployed on this route, which will collectively undertake 10 daily trips in both directions. The service caters to daily commuters, office workers, and students who frequently travel between these regions. En route, the buses will stop at several major industrial, commercial, and residential locations including Singhu Border, Rai, Bhalgarh, Murthal, Gannaur, Samalkha, Panipat, Gharaunda, and Madhuban, providing seamless connectivity to intermediate towns.
Expansion of Delhi Bus Fleet with 200 New Electric Units
As part of the broader government strategy to transition public transport toward clean energy, a total of 200 new electric buses have been integrated into Delhi's public transit ecosystem. This batch comprises 88 buses measuring 12 meters in length and 112 buses measuring 9 meters in length. With these additions, the total DTC bus operational fleet has expanded to approximately 6,800 buses. The updated fleet composition now features 4,938 electric buses and 1,750 CNG buses, consolidating Delhi's position as a leader in clean urban mobility infrastructure.
Dedicated 56 Ladies Special Electric Buses for Passenger Safety
To enhance safety and convenience for female commuters, the administration is also introducing 56 Ladies Special electric buses across key city routes. Designed specifically to cater to women and female students, these buses aim to provide a secure environment during peak transit hours. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that the government remains fully committed to transforming Delhi into a cleaner and greener capital by expanding zero-emission public transportation options, emphasizing that expanding interstate electric bus services marks a crucial milestone in achieving sustainable urban mobility.
EV Infrastructure Boost with Rajghat Depot Charging Facility
Alongside expanding the operational bus fleet, substantial steps are being taken to strengthen the supporting EV charging infrastructure. A public EV charging station established at Rajghat Depot-1 was formally dedicated to the public during the event to support electric vehicle adoption. The rollout of this new interstate service on the Delhi-Karnal highway is expected to relieve daily travel stress for thousands of commuters while helping reduce fossil fuel consumption and overall urban pollution levels across the region.
