Delhi To Launch 145 New DEVI Bus Routes For Metro Connectivity, Begins Pilot In Yamuna Vihar

To enhance last-mile connectivity and strengthen public transport in underserved areas, the Delhi government will introduce 145 new routes for its recently launched Delhi EV Connector (DEVI) buses. The pilot project will roll out in Yamuna Vihar before city-wide implementation.

Officials confirmed the new routes will focus on linking localities to nearby Metro stations. “As many as 145 new routes have been identified for DEVI buses… These routes have been made keeping in mind the last-mile connectivity, proximity to Metro stations,” said the official.

The DEVI buses, 9-metre-long electric vehicles, are designed to navigate narrower lanes where the traditional 12-metre-long Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses cannot operate. However, authorities noticed that smaller buses had lower ridership when deployed on long-distance routes meant for larger buses.

“We observed that the ridership in the small buses is less when compared to the 12-m long buses, limiting their effectiveness. To address this, the government has collaborated with IIT Delhi to design a comprehensive new route plan,” a senior official said.

The government also plans to build specialised DEVI bus stops equipped with digital boards showing real-time route, location, and timing information. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is also consulting on the project.

The city is also revamping its fare system. DTC has started using Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) in three depots—Rajghat 2, Kalkaji, and Hasanpur—covering 700 buses.

“ETM machines have been deployed as a pilot project… more than 95 per cent tickets are being sold using these ETMs,” the official added. These devices accept National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), usable on Metro and Rapid Rail.

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