Staff Writer
New Delhi: In a significant leap toward sustainable urban mobility, the Delhi Government has officially launched the DEVi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interchange) electric bus initiative in partnership with PMI Electro Mobility, India’s leading electric bus manufacturer. The launch event, held today in the capital, witnessed the flag-off of a fleet of 255 fully electric, 9-meter buses built by PMI, marking a crucial milestone in Delhi’s transition to green public transport.
The event was inaugurated by Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and attended by prominent dignitaries including Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs; Pankaj Singh, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Transport, and Information Technology; and Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education. Several Members of Parliament from Delhi and cabinet ministers from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) were also present to mark the occasion.
The introduction of the DEVi fleet is part of Delhi’s broader vision to electrify 80% of its public transport fleet, with a particular focus on last-mile connectivity. As part of this ambitious roadmap, the city plans to deploy a total of 2,080 electric buses in the 9-meter category between 2025 and 2026. PMI Electro Mobility will contribute significantly to this effort, supplying 1,456 of these electric buses under the initiative.
Built with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, the DEVi electric buses feature advanced commuter-friendly designs. Each of the 255 buses launched today offers 23 seats, including six pink seats reserved for women passengers. The buses are equipped with a designated wheelchair space, automated ramps for easy boarding, and a low-floor design complemented by a “kneeling” mechanism that lowers the vehicle height, aiding elderly and differently-abled passengers.
Further enhancing the commuting experience, the DEVi buses include state-of-the-art technology such as real-time diagnostics, automatic passenger counting systems, and air suspension for a smooth ride. These features are tailored to meet the operational demands of Delhi’s high-traffic zones. The newly introduced buses will be operated out of strategically located depots at Kushak Nallah and East Vinod Nagar, ensuring optimal service coverage across key urban neighborhoods.
A notable aspect of the DEVi project is its progressive approach toward gender inclusivity in public transportation. The fleet includes women drivers, reflecting PMI Electro Mobility’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in the green mobility sector.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Aanchal Jain, CEO of PMI Electro Mobility, emphasized the emotional and environmental significance of the initiative. “As a Delhi resident, it is a matter of great pride for me to contribute to our city’s sustainable future. At PMI, we remain ever-committed towards propelling the nation towards a cleaner future and a more environmentally conscious public transport system. The DEVi project is a natural extension of this resolve, and we are consistently working to make electric mobility accessible, reliable, and inclusive. Our buses have already logged over 20 crore green kilometers nationwide, and with the DEVi initiative, we are bringing that expertise home to Delhi.”
Founded with the mission to make green mobility a national reality, PMI Electro Mobility has established a strong footprint in India’s electric transport sector. The company operates in 31 cities and has deployed more than 2,500 electric buses across diverse terrains and regions, ranging from the mountainous stretches of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to urban centers in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. Collectively, PMI’s fleet clocks approximately 100,000 zero-emission kilometers every day.
Beyond bus manufacturing, PMI continues to reinforce its green credentials through initiatives like the “PMI Green Routes” campaign, which involved the distribution of 1,00,000 biodegradable seed cards to promote environmental awareness. Additionally, the company runs a women-led battery assembly plant, further underscoring its commitment to sustainability and gender equity in India’s evolving green economy.
With the launch of the DEVi electric bus fleet, the Delhi Government and PMI Electro Mobility have taken a bold step toward redefining the future of public transportation — one that is cleaner, safer, and more inclusive.