Delhi CM Smt. Rekha Gupta Lays Foundation Stone of State-of-the-Art Multi-Level Electric Bus Depot at Hari Nagar
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): In a landmark step towards modernising Delhi’s transport infrastructure, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, today laid the foundation stone of the Multi-Level Electric Bus Depot of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) at Hari Nagar. The ceremony was held as part of the ongoing ‘Sewa Pakhwada 2025’, commemorating the birthday of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The event was graced by Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh and Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Sood.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Rekha Gupta hailed the project as a “milestone in DTC’s history” and noted that the depot will redefine working conditions for DTC employees while providing world-class facilities for commuters.
“Delhi is witnessing the dawn of a new era in public transport. With this depot, capable of housing around 400 e-buses and equipped with state-of-the-art charging infrastructure, our government reaffirms its commitment to clean, efficient, and sustainable mobility. This project is not just a bus depot—it is the foundation of a greener, more efficient Delhi,” the CM said.
The CM underlined that the facility is being developed as a financially self-sustainable model. Around 2 lakh sq. ft. of retail and commercial space will be integrated into the complex, generating revenue to offset project expenses. Additional features include 324 car parking slots, 104 two-wheeler spaces in the basement, 26,257 sq. ft. for DTC offices and dormitories, and a modern commercial hub comprising malls and office space.
She further highlighted the project’s green credentials. The depot will install a 500 KW rooftop solar power plant, a 170 KLD sewage treatment plant, and a rainwater harvesting system to recharge groundwater. Energy-efficient aluminium louvers will maximize natural light and ventilation, while LED panels will enhance the façade. Designed to achieve a GRIHA 3-star rating, the facility will stand as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in the capital.
In her address, CM Gupta also touched upon the broader vision of the government: “Our priority is to ensure last-mile connectivity in Delhi and to expand the electric bus fleet from 3,000 to 6,000 in the coming year. This depot is part of a larger roadmap to make Delhi’s transport not just efficient, but also environment-friendly. We are committed to delivering modern working conditions for DTC staff and comfortable, safe journeys for commuters.”
The CM acknowledged challenges faced by DTC employees during the transition to electric buses, including pension and employment-related concerns, and assured that the government is working on long-term solutions. Referring to the Shadipur Depot project, she announced that residential colonies are being developed to provide housing for DTC families, ensuring better living conditions for employees.
She also drew a sharp contrast with the previous government, which she said left DTC in financial distress and neglected employee welfare.
“Where past governments neglected the lifeline of Delhi, we are reviving it. Our vision is not just to repair what was broken, but to build stronger, greener, and future-ready systems. This depot is proof that with the right intent and planning, DTC can once again be the pride of Delhi,” she said.
The CM reiterated that the Delhi government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive people-centric Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy that will integrates e-buses, metro connectivity, and last-mile transport into a seamless system.
Hitting out at opposition, she said “Some leaders spend more time watching my speeches and gestures than focusing on Delhi’s real problems. But our government is clear—we are here to solve issues, not to play politics.”
Thanking the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the latest budgetary reliefs, the CM said: “The recent GST cuts announced by PM Modi Ji are a true Diwali gift for 140 crore Indians. It will ease the lives of middle-class families, help their children dream bigger, and strengthen the economy. Even though GST revenue may reduce, the step will bring greater financial stability to households.
"You may think I am a woman Chief Minister and try to mislead me, but through this platform, on the first day of Navratri, with the power of Maa Durga, I want to say—I am a daughter of Delhi. I am not afraid of anyone. The responsibility I have taken, to work for Delhi and serve the people of Delhi, no matter what happens, I will fulfill them—24/7, 365 days. I will see it through entirely," added the Chief Minister.
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, in his address, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing public transport in every corner of Delhi.
“We had promised the people of Delhi that public transport would not just expand but transform—and this foundation stone is proof of that promise in action. Our efforts are directed towards modern, reliable, and eco-friendly mobility solutions. Very soon, Delhi’s citizens will see positive changes across the transport network, from last-mile connectivity to cleaner buses and better facilities,” said Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh.
The Hon'ble Transport Minister further informed that Hari Nagar depot will be able to accommodate 384 electric buses compared to the 230 CNG buses it currently handles. It will feature 81 advanced EV charging stations capable of fully charging a bus in just 40 minutes. The multi-level structure—spanning one basement and three upper floors—will provide nearly 7.4 lakh square feet of built-up space and will be supported by a dedicated 33 KV electrical sub-station. The project is estimated to cost ₹420 crore and is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Sood congratulated the DTC workforce and underlined the depot’s long-term importance. He highlighted that the project would make Delhi a frontrunner in electric mobility globally.
"Many of us must have seen the condition of Harinagar Depot—just a month ago, its walls were broken and crumbling. Today, those walls stand strong," he said.
By combining world-class infrastructure, financial sustainability, and environmental responsibility, Hari Nagar depot project represents a critical step in Delhi’s journey towards green mobility and reduced vehicular emissions.