Delhi govt plans to establish EV-charging infrastructure at ISBTs

New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) After the Delhi government launched inter-state electric bus services to two cities and plans further expansion, it will also install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the city's three major interstate bus terminals (ISBTs), officials said.

The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTC) has floated a tender for the supply and installation of chargers and the required infrastructure at the three ISBTs -- Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar.

This initiative is part of the Delhi government's broader plan to fully convert its public transport fleet to electric vehicles within the next year and a half. The estimated cost for the EV charging infrastructure at the three ISBTs is Rs 16.99 crore, officials said.

The project includes the creation of civil infrastructure for EV charging stations, along with the supply and installation of substations and chargers. It will feature 1,600 KVA, 11KV / 433 V compact substations and 60KW and 240KW chargers, which are capable of charging hundreds of buses, an official explained.

"Tenders have been floated, inviting contractors approved by government agencies for the work. The civil and electrical works will begin in the next few months after successful bidding," the official added.

Officials highlighted that expanding charging infrastructure is crucial as the Delhi government plans to add 8,000 e-buses by 2026. Currently, the city has 3,400 e-buses, with plans to increase that number to 6,000 in the coming months.

On Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged off inter-state electric buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), running from Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal to Sonipat Bus Stand.

Earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday celebrations as part of Seva Pakhwada, the Chief Minister had inaugurated the first inter-state electric bus service between Delhi and Baraut. Kejriwal has already announced plans to resume DTC bus services connecting the national capital with NCR cities. PTI SLB HIG