Rekha Gupta launched a new automated vehicle testing station and 50 electric buses as the Delhi government highlighted its focus on cleaner and safer public transport | File image 
Delhi

Delhi CM launches automated vehicle testing station, flags off 50 e-buses

The new Tehkhand testing station can test 70,000 vehicles annually, while the latest e-bus rollout takes Delhi’s total bus fleet to 6,850

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched the capital's second automated vehicle testing station at Tehkhand Depot in South Delhi.

50 new electric buses launched

Gupta also launched 50 new electric buses, bringing the total number of buses to 6,850, of which 5,088 are electric vehicles.

"Our government is continuously working towards clean mobility, our government is working on solutions for pollution. All these steps are to make Delhi pollution-free," the chief minister said addressing a crowd.

Gupta said Delhi's Transport Department is working on the '4S model' -- Safety, Sustainability, Seamless connectivity and Smart infrastructure -- in the transport sector.

Focus on safer, smarter public transport

"We have to keep safety for the public in buses a priority; the buses that we are launching have panic buttons and CCTV cameras. The Delhi government has the target to provide much better facilities to the public," Gupta said.

The newly inaugurated automated vehicle testing station has a vehicle testing capacity of 70,000 per year. Earlier, a testing station was launched at Nand Nagri bus depot.

More charging infrastructure planned

"Under the EV Policy, private vehicle owners will get several reliefs; our government is working to provide more infrastructural support like charging stations," she added.

Two new charging stations have been launched at Hassanpur and Gazipur bus depots.