Commuters in the capital city are set to face major changes in public transport as 790 DTC buses removed (Delhi Transport Corporation) from service starting April 1, 2025. This marks the largest number of buses ever taken off the streets at once. With the onset of summer, this could lead to a shortage of buses, causing inconvenience to commuters. However, Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh has assured that 1,000 new Electric buses will be introduced in April to fill the gap.
Why are DTC Buses Removed?
The DTC buses removed comes as they have completed their operational lifespan. These aging vehicles are no longer fit for service and will be retired in accordance with transportation regulations. Experts say this is a direct outcome of delays in procurement processes, which were not addressed by the previous government in time to prevent gaps in service.
Massive DTC Bus Removal Planned Till 2025
By December 2025, a total of 2,000 DTC buses will be removed from Delhi’s roads. The first quarter of 2025 alone will see the removal of 790 buses, particularly during peak hours. It is the highest number in a single period. Travelers may face longer wait times and increased crowding. Experts believe that the previous government failed to plan properly, leading to a slowdown in the introduction of new buses over the years.
Government’s Plan to Address the Shortage
Delhi’s Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh has assured that 1,000 new electric buses will be added to the fleet in April to compensate for the outgoing buses. The government aims to modernize Delhi’s public transport system by introducing environmentally friendly and efficient Electric buses.
Plans for the Future: 10,000 Buses by Year-End
In response to the bus shortage, the Delhi government has promised a major expansion of its fleet. Officials claim that by the end of 2025, Delhi will have around 10,000 operational buses, 80% of which will be electric. However, this projection offers hope, experts caution that quick implementation will be crucial to prevent service disruptions.
How many Buses will be Removed in 2025 & 2026?
According to reports, DTC buses removals will happen in a phased manner. Here’s a breakdown of the number of buses to be removed:
Bus Removals in 2025:
- January – March: 790 buses
- April – May: 476 buses
- June – September: 924 buses
- October – December: 239 buses
Bus Removals in 2026:
- January – March: 108 buses
- April – May: 15 buses
- June – September: 10 buses
- October – December: 4 buses
With a large number of DTC buses removed, the government will need to act quickly to ensure Delhi’s public transport system remains functional and efficient. In the coming months, commuters may face temporary disruptions, but with the new introduction of 1,000 Electric buses in April is expected to mitigate the impact of the removals. Delhi’s public transport could soon see a modern, eco-friendly transformation.