In a move to improve last-mile connectivity in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi announced that 150 electric Mohalla Buses will be operational across the city within the next two weeks.
During her inspection of the buses at the Kushak Nala Electric Bus Depot on Tuesday, she said these 9-meter-long Mohalla Buses are designed to navigate congested neighbourhoods where larger buses cannot operate, ensuring seamless and efficient public transport for all.
She reviewed the facilities for passengers, inspected the charging infrastructure, and even traveled in one of the buses along with officials.
Speaking at the event, CM Atishi said: “We are here at the Kushak Nala Electric Bus Depot to inspect the 9-meter-long low-floor electric Mohalla Buses. The first batch of 150 buses has already arrived at this depot.”
She said: “These buses have been tested on two routes and will be operational on Delhi’s roads within the next two weeks. Guided by Arvind Kejriwal, these Mohalla Buses will revolutionise transportation in congested areas where 12-meter-long buses cannot operate.”
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Atishi said: “Delhi has always struggled with last-mile connectivity. To address this issue, 2,140 Mohalla Buses will be deployed across the city by 2025. These buses are fully air-conditioned, equipped with panic buttons, CCTV, and GPS. With just 45 minutes of charging, they can run up to 200 km.”
Mohalla Buses’s unique features
The 9-meter-long Mohalla Buses are powered by electric batteries and designed for narrow and congested areas where standard 12-meter DTC buses cannot operate. These buses will also improve connectivity to key transport hubs like metro stations, saving time and reducing the need for multiple bus changes or auto-rickshaw rides.
Each bus is equipped with six battery packs totaling 196 kW capacity, offering a range of over 200 km on a 45-minute charge. With 23 seats and standing space for 13 passengers, these green-colored buses are easily identifiable.
Notably, 25 per cent of the seats (6 in total) are reserved for women and marked in pink.
The Mohalla Bus initiative aims to provide reliable feeder bus services in neighborhoods across Delhi using 9-meter-long electric buses. The Delhi government plans to deploy a total of 2,140 such buses by 2025, with dedicated depots for their parking and maintenance.
Bus Depots for Mohalla Buses
Eastern Zone
1. Ghazipur Depot – 60 buses
2. East Vinod Nagar Depot – 180 buses
Western Zone
3. Dwarka Main Depot – 40 buses
4. Dwarka Sector 2 Depot – 180 buses
5. Keshopur Depot – 180 buses
6. Peeragarhi Depot – 135 buses
7. Shadipur Depot – 230 buses
8. Dwarka Sector 9 Depot – 20 buses
Southern Zone
9. Kushak Nala Depot – 350 buses
10. Ambedkar Nagar Depot – 180 buses
Northern Zone
11. Mundka Depot – 60 buses
12. Nangloi DMRC Depot – 60 buses
13. Nangloi DTC Depot – 180 buses
14. Rithala Depot – 70 buses
15. Kohat Enclave Depot – 35 buses
16. Narela Bus Depot – 180 buses
The AAP has called the Mohalla Bus initiative as a significant step toward improving public transport and last-mile connectivity in Delhi. It would be interesting to see the impact of Mohalla Buses and how it will make travelling in local areas hassle-free, particularly in Okhla and other areas of Delhi in coming days. Now all eyes will be on when all the Mohalla Buses hits the roads of Delhi till then residents will keep their fingers crossed.
