Charge It Up: DTC’s E-Buses Get a New Price Tag for Special Rides

New Pricing Scheme for Electric Buses

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) Board has sanctioned updated special hire rates for its electric buses in a bid to increase revenue and align costs with operational expenses.

The new recruitment rate for Electric Low Floor AC Buses is ₹110 per kilometre, with a minimum of ₹7,700 per day for each bus for 70 km.

A cost study for 2024-25 has revealed that the cost per kilometre of the e-buses is ₹90.38, which needs to be updated.

Comparison to Current CNG Bus Prices

The rates of hiring CNG buses are ₹60 per km (non-AC) and ₹75 per km (AC) with a minimum of ₹3,000 and ₹4,500 per day, respectively.

The new rates are adjusted to capture the additional operational cost of electric buses, making DTC financially viable.

The board emphasized the need to update rates with the phasing out of CNG buses by the end of 2025 in mind.

Extended Use & Revenue Generation

The increased fares will make DTC's fleet of e-buses feasible for schools, tourism departments, private agencies, Delhi Police, and film shoots.

Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh stated that the plan is a part of a bigger scheme to make DTC financially independent.

The Delhi government will also launch 100 inter-state electric buses on 17 routes, which will also link pilgrimage and religious places.

Future Vision & Sustainability Targets

The new pricing plan is also expected to boost revenue for DTC and support growth and upkeep of the electric fleet.

The government re-committed to powering cleaner public transport, finishing Delhi's transition to an all-electric bus fleet.

The option is a component of Delhi's larger environmental and financial transformation plans, complementing the city's drive towards sustainable movement options.

Sources: India TV News, MSN, Indian Express, The Print.