The Delhi government is preparing to introduce 1,300 pink electric autorickshaws under the DURGA E-Auto Scheme, aiming to empower women and transgender persons through self-employment while promoting sustainable transportation across the national capital.
The initiative focuses on financial independence, safer commuting and improved last-mile connectivity. The scheme aims to encourage greater participation of women and transgender persons in Delhi’s electric mobility sector while supporting the transition towards cleaner transportation.
1,300 Electric Autos to Be Allocated in First Phase
Under the DURGA (Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender) E-Auto Scheme, the government plans to allocate 1,300 pink electric autos during the initial phase.
Of these vehicles, 1,170 electric autos will be reserved for women, while 130 will be allocated to transgender beneficiaries.
Each revenue district will receive a maximum allocation of 90 electric autos for women and 10 for transgender persons, ensuring that opportunities are distributed across Delhi.
The initiative aims to help beneficiaries become vehicle owners and independent drivers, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the transport sector.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The scheme targets eligible Delhi residents between 20 and 40 years of age.
Applicants must possess a valid voter identification card, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
For women applicants, annual family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh. Transgender applicants must additionally provide a valid transgender certificate issued by the appropriate Delhi authority.
Applications will be processed through a dedicated digital portal developed by the National Informatics Centre.
District-level committees headed by District Magistrates will verify applications weekly. If eligible applications exceed the available quota, beneficiaries will be selected through an online lottery system.
Promoting Green Mobility and Safer Transportation
Beyond employment generation, the DURGA Scheme is expected to strengthen Delhi’s transition towards cleaner public transportation.
Electric autorickshaws produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce local air pollution and dependence on petrol, diesel and CNG-powered vehicles.
The introduction of pink electric autos is also intended to improve passenger confidence, particularly among commuters travelling during early mornings and late evenings.
The government has sought dedicated parking and EV charging facilities from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) near Metro and Namo Bharat stations.
These facilities could improve operational convenience and strengthen connectivity between public transport networks.
Supporting Financial Independence Through Electric Mobility
The DURGA Scheme represents an effort to combine social inclusion with electric vehicle adoption.
Beneficiaries may also be eligible for applicable purchase incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026, potentially reducing vehicle ownership costs.
The scheme could additionally generate employment in EV maintenance, charging infrastructure, vehicle servicing and battery recycling.
For Delhi’s growing electric mobility ecosystem, the initiative offers an opportunity to expand clean transportation while supporting underrepresented communities.
Successful implementation will depend on affordable vehicle financing, accessible charging infrastructure and consistent passenger demand.
With 1,300 electric autos planned for its first phase, the DURGA Scheme could become an important step towards a greener, safer and more inclusive transport network in Delhi.
