Delhi’s E-Bus Revolution: 6 New Substations Power 1,200 Buses

Delhi took a major step toward a greener future as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated six new switching substations on Wednesday, designed to power nearly 1,200 electric buses at key Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) depots. Developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), these substations mark a significant upgrade to the city’s electric public transport infrastructure, promising cleaner air and smoother commutes for residents.

The substations are strategically located at Peeragarhi, Nangloi, Ambedkar Nagar, Srinivaspuri, Okhla Central Workshop, and Narela. They will provide dedicated electricity to charge approximately 1,170 e-buses, ensuring faster charging times and more reliable bus schedules. Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, who attended the inauguration alongside Power Minister Ashish Sood, emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing DTC’s legacy through a robust fleet of electric vehicles supported by cutting-edge charging infrastructure.

The six substations collectively deliver nearly 50 MW of power, with BRPL managing five depots—Peeragarhi, Srinivaspuri, Ambedkar Nagar, Nangloi, and Okhla—while TPDDL oversees Narela. The largest facility, at Okhla Central Workshop, boasts a 66/11 kV grid substation with a 63 MVA capacity, supporting 425 buses. Srinivaspuri and Ambedkar Nagar, each with 7 MW, will power 100 and 130 buses, respectively, while Nangloi’s 6 MW supports 150 buses, and Peeragarhi’s 5 MW handles 100 buses. Four of these—Peeragarhi, Srinivaspuri, Ambedkar Nagar, and Nangloi—are 33 kV switching substations, tailored for efficiency.

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These dedicated power stations are a game-changer, separating e-bus charging from household and commercial grids to reduce strain on Delhi’s power network. Officials highlight that faster overnight and opportunity charging will minimize bus downtime, ensuring DTC’s fleet operates seamlessly. BRPL’s total EV charging capacity at DTC depots has now surpassed 100 MW, up from 46.6 MW, with 16 substations already operational and 11 more in the pipeline. This expansion aligns with Delhi’s ambitious goal of fully electrifying its public bus fleet by 2027.

The new infrastructure strengthens Delhi’s EV ecosystem, cutting emissions from public transport and enhancing the commuter experience. As the city scales up its e-bus fleet and charging network, it aims to set a national benchmark for sustainable public transport. However, challenges remain: can Delhi maintain this momentum and lead India’s green transport revolution? With these substations, the capital is charging toward a cleaner, more efficient future.

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