Delhi CM Highlights Clean Mobility Initiatives on First Anniversary

Delhi government focuses on electric buses and EV policy for clean air.

Photo by Aquib Akhter

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta marked the first anniversary of the BJP government by flagging off 500 new electric buses. The CM stated that Delhi's electric bus fleet has reached 4,286 and will expand to 14,000 by 2028. Delhi leads India in electric buses, followed by Maharashtra.

The government is also working on an effective EV policy for private vehicles and metro expansion. The CM criticized the previous AAP government for the DTC's losses and announced a ₹1,200-crore grant for the DTC. The BJP president, Nitin Nabin, emphasized the government's commitment to delivery with the right intent and policy.

Key Facts

Delhi's electric bus fleet has reached 4,286.

The electric bus fleet will expand to 14,000 by 2028.

Delhi leads India in electric buses.

The government is working on an effective EV policy for private vehicles.

The government is accelerating metro expansion projects.

The government is improving last-mile connectivity.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III (Economy): Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

Connects to the syllabus through the topic of sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of EV policies.

Visual Insights

Delhi's Electric Bus Fleet Expansion

Key statistics on Delhi's electric bus fleet and future targets.

Current Electric Bus Fleet: 4,286
Target Electric Bus Fleet by 2028: 14,000
DTC Grant: ₹1,200 crore

More Information

Background

The push for electric vehicles (EVs) in India is rooted in the need to address climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. India ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, committing to reduce its carbon emissions intensity. The transport sector is a significant contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to EVs crucial for meeting these commitments. Historically, the Indian automotive industry has been dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, growing environmental concerns and increasing fuel prices have spurred policy interventions to promote EVs. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020, launched in 2013, was one of the earliest initiatives to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. This plan aimed to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles by 2020, a target that was not fully met but laid the groundwork for future policies. Several government policies and schemes have been instrumental in driving EV adoption. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme, launched in 2015 and subsequently extended, provides financial incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and supports the development of charging infrastructure. State governments have also introduced their own EV policies, offering subsidies, tax exemptions, and other incentives to promote EV adoption at the regional level. These policies often align with the broader national objectives of reducing pollution and promoting sustainable transportation. Globally, the transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum, with countries like Norway, China, and the United States leading the way. These nations have implemented comprehensive EV policies, including stringent emission standards, purchase incentives, and investments in charging infrastructure. Comparing India's EV policies with those of other countries can provide valuable insights for refining and improving the effectiveness of domestic initiatives.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives are focusing on enhancing the charging infrastructure for EVs. The Ministry of Power has been actively promoting the establishment of public charging stations across the country. The aim is to address range anxiety, a major concern for potential EV buyers. Initiatives include streamlining the process for setting up charging stations and providing subsidies for their installation. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has also reduced the GST rate on electric vehicles to 5% to make them more affordable. There are ongoing debates regarding the optimal mix of incentives and regulations to promote EV adoption. Some stakeholders advocate for stronger regulatory measures, such as mandating a certain percentage of EV sales for automakers. Others argue for a more market-driven approach, with incentives gradually phased out as the EV market matures. The role of NITI Aayog is crucial in formulating a balanced policy framework that considers the interests of all stakeholders. The future outlook for EVs in India is promising, with ambitious targets set for increasing EV penetration across different vehicle segments. The government aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle sales by 2030. This will require sustained policy support, technological advancements, and investments in battery technology and manufacturing. The development of indigenous battery manufacturing capabilities is particularly important for reducing costs and ensuring supply chain security. Despite the progress, challenges remain in accelerating EV adoption. These include the high upfront cost of EVs, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns about battery performance and longevity. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-pronged approach involving government, industry, and consumers. Public awareness campaigns and pilot projects can play a key role in promoting the benefits of EVs and building consumer confidence.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Delhi's electric bus fleet: 1. As of the first anniversary of the BJP government, Delhi has 4,286 electric buses. 2. The Delhi government aims to expand its electric bus fleet to 14,000 by 2028. 3. Delhi currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India, followed by Maharashtra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct based on the provided summary. Statement 1: Delhi's electric bus fleet has reached 4,286. Statement 2: The government plans to expand the fleet to 14,000 by 2028. Statement 3: Delhi leads India in electric buses, followed by Maharashtra. Therefore, all the statements are factually accurate according to the news article.

2. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption in India? 1. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme 2. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

The correct answer is C) 1 and 2 only. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 are specifically aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) focuses on urban infrastructure development, including water supply and sewerage, but not directly on electric vehicles.

3. Assertion (A): The Delhi government is focusing on expanding its electric bus fleet. Reason (R): Electric buses contribute to reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable transportation. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Delhi government's focus on expanding its electric bus fleet is driven by the need to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable transportation. Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable urban environment.