Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday, 27 June, flagged off a new fleet of 105 'Devi' electric buses with a notable change—their colour has been switched from green to saffron, triggering a political debate in the capital.
Traditionally, green has symbolised eco-friendliness in electric mobility. The saffron makeover has raised eyebrows and drawn sharp reactions from the opposition.
AAP Delhi convener Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the move, alleging it was an attempt to politicise public transport and offend religious sentiments. “BJP wants to hurt Hindu beliefs by painting Devi buses saffron. When these buses get stained with vomit, paan, spit and mucus, it will be an insult to our faith,” he said.
Defending the decision, chief minister Gupta said, “Delhi is a vibrant and colourful city. As part of an experiment, both green and orange buses are being introduced.”
She added that the launch coincided with the Rath Yatra and was dedicated to Lord Jagannath. “Saffron is the colour of the nation, not just the BJP,” said BJP.
The newly launched nine-metre-long buses are tailored for last-mile connectivity, especially in the city's narrower lanes.
Each air-conditioned, low-floor bus is wheelchair-accessible, has 23 seats and space for 17 standing passengers, and is equipped with safety features such as panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and real-time tracking. Delhi’s electric bus fleet, currently around 2,000, will continue to expand with a goal of full electrification by 2027.
According to the CM’s office, some of the new buses will be driven by women, a move aimed at encouraging gender inclusion in public services.
Gupta said more than 2,000 e-buses are already operating in Delhi, and the goal is to transition 100 per cent of the public transport fleet to electric vehicles. “This is not just the launch of a bus—it’s a significant step toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable transport future for Delhi.”
