After 500 e-buses were flagged off yesterday in Delhi, the national capital which is the city with the largest fleet of such vehicles in the country.

The capital has now set its eyes on two more targets on opposite ends of the size spectrum: double-deckers and small 9-metre buses.

While the Delhi Transport Department is exploring the possibility of procuring double-decker e-buses from existing manufacturers, over 2,000 smaller 9-metre neighbourhood circulators connecting Metro stations with residential areas, ranging from posh colonies to unauthorised ones, will hit the streets of the capital every month in 2024.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Delhi government's goal was to have over 8,000 e-buses by 2025. 'By then, there will be more than 10,000 buses in Delhi, out of which 80% will be electric. Our fantastic electric buses are becoming the new identity of Delhi,' he posted.

However, a third of the capital's journey towards that goal, according to sources, would be traversed on the 9-metre buses. Sources aware of developments in this regard said 2,080 such buses account for over 35% of Delhi's targetted 8,280 e-buses — out of a consolidated public bus fleet of 10,480 — by 2025.

'While we are exploring the possibility of bringing double-decker e-buses on the streets, both the L-G and CM are in favour of procuring these as soon as possible. The traffic conditions in Delhi are relatively more challenging than in Mumbai which has been successful in regard to such vehicles. The exercise is ongoing,' a senior government official said.

'On the other hand, of the contracts for 5,880 e-buses — 1,300 have been delivered — 100 to 150 9-metre buses will begin arriving in lots starting January next year,' the official also said.

According to the official, two separate companies would supply these vehicles on an alternate-month basis. 'A new lot will be delivered each month after the prototype is approved; we hope to be able to have all 2,000 vehicles for last-mile connectivity by the end of 2024,' the official added.