CM Rekha Gupta: School Buses Must Go Electric
Electric school buses launched to reduce Delhi’s pollution.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that transitioning school buses to electric models is a key step toward a cleaner capital. Speaking at an event where she and Lt Governor V K Saxena flagged off a fleet of electric buses for Sardar Patel Vidyalaya students, Gupta emphasized the urgent need to electrify the thousands of school buses navigating Delhi’s roads daily.
“School buses are a significant part of our traffic, and their emissions contribute to the city’s pollution crisis,” Gupta told reporters. “By switching to electric, we’re not only cutting harmful emissions but also ensuring a healthier environment for our children.” The initiative, in collaboration with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), marks a pioneering partnership to integrate eco-friendly transport into the education sector.
The newly launched electric buses are air-conditioned, offering students a comfortable and sustainable ride to and from school. Gupta highlighted that these buses are part of a broader strategy to tackle Delhi’s notorious air quality issues, which have long plagued the city, especially during winter months when smog blankets the capital. The electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a critical tool in reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
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Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, one of Delhi’s prominent schools, is leading the charge as the first to adopt this green initiative. The partnership with DTC ensures the buses are maintained and operated efficiently, setting a model for other schools to follow. “We want every school in Delhi to embrace electric buses,” Gupta said, adding that the government is exploring incentives to encourage private schools to make the switch.
This move aligns with Delhi’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transport, including the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and subsidies for green technologies. Experts estimate that replacing diesel-powered school buses with electric ones could significantly reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions, which are major contributors to respiratory issues among children.
Gupta’s announcement has sparked enthusiasm among environmentalists, who see it as a step toward a greener future for Delhi. However, challenges remain, including the high initial costs of electric buses and the need for widespread charging infrastructure. The government plans to address these hurdles through public-private partnerships and central funding schemes.
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