The Delhi government is planning to strengthen its women-only bus service by adding around 50 new buses across the city. The move is aimed at making public transport safer and more convenient for women, especially those travelling for work or college. The new buses are expected to have several safety features, including all-women staff, marshals, CCTV cameras, and panic buttons.
At present, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates only a few ladies’ special buses on two routes. According to officials, the service was first introduced during the Congress government and later continued on a limited number of routes based on specific requests. Now, DTC is preparing to expand the service in a more organised way by increasing both the number of buses and the safety measures available for passengers.
Focus on busy routes and better last-mile connectivity
Officials said the Delhi government is planning to run these buses on around 20 to 25 busy routes across the city. These may include areas such as Central Delhi, ITO, and locations with major colleges and office hubs. The buses will also be introduced on routes where Metro connectivity is limited, helping women and students complete the last part of their journey more safely.
The buses are expected to operate from 5 am until around 11 pm or midnight, making them useful for women travelling early in the morning or returning home late in the evening.
Electric buses under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme
The new buses will be electric vehicles and will be purchased under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, which has been launched to promote the use of electric vehicles across the country. In the first phase, 25 buses will be deployed in Outer Delhi, while another 25 will run as University Special services for students.
As these buses are meant only for women, male passengers will not be allowed to travel on them. However, mothers travelling with their children will be permitted to use the service.
Part of Delhi’s larger public transport plan
Officials also said the government is studying the use of Saheli Pink Smart Cards, which provide free bus travel to women. The travel data will help identify routes where there is high demand for women-only bus services.
The expansion is part of the Delhi government’s larger plan to build a modern fleet of around 14,000 buses by 2028-29. Earlier this month, the city added 300 more electric buses to its public transport system, taking the total number of electric buses in Delhi’s fleet to 4,845. The new women-only buses are expected to further improve safe, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport in the national capital.
