Days since Delhi launch, one in three e-buses break down daily

According to data maintained at the Mayapuri bus depot, where all the buses have to report, the most common reason is “starting trouble”, followed by issues related to battery and accelerator defect.

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said the department was aware of the issue. “I have learnt that when a bus is idle, the engine shuts off and takes around 2-3 minutes to restart. The matter will be taken up with the manufacturers. If the issue is not rectified within two-three days, the buses will be taken off operations and heavy penalties will be imposed,” he said.

Other issues observed are water leaks from air-conditioners, defective doors, pressure leak and engine overheating.

100 electric buses rolled out on June 29. (Image source: Delhi Traffic Police)

The e-buses, procured under the FAME-II policy, began arriving at the Mayapuri depot May 13 when three buses, including a prototype, were delivered. The prototype was held up at the depot for more than two weeks due to accelerator defect.

The buses were parked at the  depot, gathering dust for about a month, awaiting inauguration.

Following a tussle with the Centre over who would inaugurate the launch of the buses, the ceremony was cancelled and the buses were pressed into service, starting with 50 on June 29 — 14 buses broke down that day.

On June 30, the entire fleet of 100 e-buses was rolled out for public use, and 41 of these broke down. On Tuesday, 21 buses broke down.

According to data maintained at the Mayapuri bus depot, where all the buses have to report, the most common reason is “starting trouble”, followed by issues related to battery and accelerator defect.

Transport Commissioner Ashish Kundra said, “There are usually some teething issues and we allow some time for rectification.”

According to data, one particular bus has had six breakdowns. Some others too had repeated breakdowns in a day.

“Such issues are being faced for the first time. Breakdowns in old buses are understandable but these are new buses and breakdowns in such large numbers have never taken place earlier. We are receiving several complaints from the public regarding low frequency and ACs not working in the new e-buses,” said a source from the Transport department.

“In most cases here, buses were sent to the shed (depot) for repair,” an official said.

Some of the areas that the buses cover are Outer Ring Road, Mayapuri, Red Fort, Shivaji Stadium, Anand Vihar ISBT, Azadpur Terminal and Lodhi Colony.

Officials said the buses also run under the operation cost model. The bus manufacturing company deploys its own drivers, while the conductors and marshals are deployed by DTC.