The Delhi Cabinet on Wednesday approved the DURGA e-auto scheme, opening the way for 1,300 pink electric autos for women and transgender persons in its first phase. The scheme will allow eligible applicants to own and drive e-autos for work, while the government plans to use the vehicles to improve last-mile travel and passenger safety across the capital.
How will the 1,300 pink e-autos be divided?
Under the first phase, the government proposes to register 1,300 pink electric autos. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has said space for EV charging facilities is available in the parking areas of 70 Metro stations, according to the Cabinet statement. The allocation will be split between women and transgender applicants. Applications will be invited through a dedicated online portal. Applicants will have to meet the eligibility rules set by the government. The government is also looking at charging access for these vehicles.
Why will the autos be pink?
The government expects the rollout of 1,300 electric autos to create work beyond driving. The government’s 2026 EV policy took effect on July 1, while an EV subsidy portal was launched in July for eligible vehicle buyers.
The government said the autos will also support last-mile connectivity and Delhi’s move towards electric public transport. The electric autos will carry DURGA branding and special identification features. The government wants passengers to be able to recognise vehicles operating under the scheme easily. More e-autos on the road could increase demand for repair, servicing, EV charging and battery recycling services. The broader EV push is already under way in Delhi.
