New Delhi, June 28: The Delhi government will introduce 300 new air-conditioned electric buses into the city’s public transport network from July 4 as part of its efforts to modernise urban mobility and reduce pollution, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday.
Addressing separate ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan’ programmes held across the national capital, Gupta said the expansion of the electric bus fleet reflects the government’s commitment to building a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport system. She added that improving public transport remains one of the administration’s top priorities.
The chief minister also announced that the government will launch a citywide plantation campaign on July 7, aiming to plant nearly 70 lakh saplings across Delhi. The initiative is intended to increase green cover, improve air quality and support long-term environmental conservation in the capital.
The events marked 12 years of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted achievements in governance, infrastructure development and public welfare. Speaking at the gatherings, Gupta said India has witnessed rapid transformation in several sectors under the Prime Minister’s leadership and reiterated her government’s commitment to contributing to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” or developed India.
Highlighting the Delhi government’s environmental initiatives, the chief minister said the administration is taking concrete steps to address pollution while simultaneously improving urban infrastructure. She noted that the introduction of electric buses is expected to reduce vehicular emissions and encourage greater use of public transport.
Gupta also reviewed the ongoing efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Yamuna River, describing the project as a long-term scientific initiative rather than a short-term exercise. According to her, authorities are implementing a phased strategy to intercept and treat wastewater before it enters the river.
She said all major drains discharging into the Yamuna are being gradually tapped, while new sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being established to improve wastewater management. The government believes these measures will significantly reduce pollution levels in the river over time.
In another major announcement, Gupta said the Delhi government has allocated a financial assistance package of ₹2,800 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for upgrading sanitation infrastructure across the city. The funds will be utilised to strengthen waste collection, improve cleanliness and modernise civic services.
The chief minister added that the deployment of mechanised road-sweeping machines is being expanded to ensure cleaner roads and more efficient maintenance of public spaces. She said advanced technology and improved civic management would play a crucial role in making Delhi cleaner and more liveable.
Officials believe the combined initiatives including the addition of electric buses, large-scale tree plantation, river rejuvenation projects and sanitation reforms will contribute significantly to improving Delhi’s urban environment while supporting sustainable development goals.
The government is expected to continue introducing more green mobility initiatives and environmental programmes in the coming months as part of its broader strategy to transform the national capital into a modern and eco-friendly metropolis.