Delhi residents could get the option of booking pink electric autos through ride-hailing apps, with the government planning to bring women and transgender drivers onto these platforms without onboarding or subscription charges.
The government wants to provide another transport option for passengers covering the last stretch of their journey, often between a Metro station and their homes or workplaces. The government has not specified how much each beneficiary will ultimately pay for the vehicle. The government also plans a two-phase study to assess the scheme’s impact on beneficiaries’ incomes and livelihoods.
The Delhi government on Sunday said it would ask ride-hailing companies to waive these charges for drivers selected under its DURGA E-Auto Scheme, which provides for 1,300 electric autorickshaws. The DURGA scheme was approved by the Delhi Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on September 23. Beneficiaries will also be eligible for purchase incentives under Delhi’s EV Policy 2026, which provides Rs 50,000 for eligible electric autos registered in the first year, subject to conditions.
Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said the scheme was intended to help women and transgender persons earn independently while increasing their participation in the transport sector.
