PM Narendra Modi Flags Off 200 Electric Buses: Plants Sapling on World Environment Day in Delhi
New Delhi, June 5, 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a significant push towards sustainable development in the national capital by flagging off 200 electric buses under the Delhi Government’s ambitious sustainable transport initiative. The event, held at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park, underscored the government’s commitment to cleaner air and eco-friendly urban mobility.
In a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister also planted a banyan sapling as part of his ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, an initiative encouraging citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers to promote environmental conservation. The tree-planting drive aligns with the broader Aravalli Green Wall project, aimed at enhancing Delhi’s green cover and combating climate change.
The ceremony was attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, and Delhi’s Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between the central and state governments to transform Delhi into a greener, more sustainable city.
The addition of 200 electric buses to Delhi’s public transport fleet is a step towards the Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative (DEVI), which aims to fully electrify public transport by 2026. These buses, equipped with modern amenities like CCTV, live tracking, panic buttons, and motorized ramps, will enhance connectivity in underserved areas while reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Delhi already accounts for over 40% of India’s EV charging station electricity consumption, reflecting its leadership in electric vehicle adoption.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the government’s vision, stating, “Inspired by PM Modi’s call for a clean and green India, we are committed to making Delhi a model of sustainable urban living.” Environment Minister Sirsa added, “These initiatives, from electric buses to tree planting, reflect our action-driven approach to tackling pollution and preserving Delhi’s natural heritage.”
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts to address Delhi’s environmental challenges, including the allocation of Rs 9,000 crore for water and sewer upgrades in the 2025-26 Budget and plans to eliminate landfill “garbage mountains” by 2028.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in both the tree-planting and bus flag-off ceremonies reaffirmed the government’s holistic approach to environmental conservation, blending sustainable infrastructure with community-driven green initiatives.
