Delhi to Electrify All ISBTs with EV Charging Infrastructure under SASCI Scheme

Context:

• The Delhi Government, through its transport department, has announced a plan to make all Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in the city EV-ready.

• The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, promote electric mobility, and strengthen green urban transport infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

Government Initiative / Policy Details

• Electrification of three major ISBTs:

  • Kashmere Gate ISBT

  • Anand Vihar ISBT

  • Sarai Kale Khan ISBT

• Project implemented by Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DTIDC).

• Executed under the State Capital Investment Special Assistance Scheme (SASCI).

Infrastructure & Technical Details

• At each ISBT:

  • 24 fast chargers of 240 kW capacity

  • 6 chargers of 60 kW capacity

• Designed to support large-scale deployment of electric buses (e-buses).

Financial Support

• Central Government assistance under SASCI:

  • Interest-free loan of ₹600 crore

  • Tenure: 50 years

• Enables long-term capital investment without fiscal stress on states.

Associated Developments

• CM Rekha Gupta flagged off 50 new e-buses at DTC Tehkhand Depot.

• Foundation stone laid for a new Automated Testing Station (ATS) with capacity to test 72,000 vehicles annually.

• Addition of 1,350 e-buses in 8 months, significantly expanding Delhi’s electric bus fleet.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Rising vehicular emissions contributing to severe air pollution in Delhi.

• Causes:

  • High dependence on fossil fuel-based transport

  • Inadequate EV charging infrastructure

• Government Initiatives:

  • ISBT electrification

  • Expansion of e-bus fleet

  • Establishment of Automated Testing Stations

  • Financial support via SASCI scheme

• Benefits:

  • Reduced carbon emissions and PM2.5 levels

  • Promotion of electric public transport

  • Improved vehicle fitness compliance

• Challenges:

  • High upfront infrastructure costs

  • Grid capacity and power supply management

• Impact:

  • Cleaner urban mobility

  • Strengthened EV ecosystem

  • Reduced dependence on NCR cities for vehicle testing

Relevant Mains Points:

• Key Definitions & Concepts:

  • ISBT: Inter-state bus transport hub

  • EV: Electric Vehicle using electric motor propulsion

  • SASCI: Central scheme for capital expenditure support to states

  • ATS: Automated facility for testing vehicle fitness and roadworthiness

• Governance & Policy Aspect:

  • Cooperative federalism through Centre–State financial partnership

  • Infrastructure-led approach to environmental governance

• Environmental Significance:

  • Aligns with India’s climate commitments

  • Supports transition to low-carbon transport systems

• Economic & Administrative Impact:

  • ATS expected to generate ₹3 crore revenue

  • Reduces compliance burden on vehicle owners

• Way Forward:

  • Scale up EV charging beyond ISBTs to depots and highways

  • Integrate renewable energy with charging infrastructure

  • Strengthen last-mile connectivity and grid resilience

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 2: Governance, Centre–State Relations, Public Infrastructure

• GS 3: Environment, Sustainable Development, Urban Transport

• Prelims: EVs, SASCI, ATS, ISBTs