Empowering Delhi's Green Transport
Delhi Approves DURGA Scheme to Deploy 1,300 Pink E-Autos for Women and Transgender Drivers
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Key Points
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The Cabinet-approved first phase expands on the Delhi government’s original 2026–27 Budget proposal, which had planned permits for 1,000 women and 100 transgender beneficiaries; the approved total increased from 1,100 to 1,300 autos.
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The scheme’s formal name is the “Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA)” scheme, and the government says it is intended to provide “dignified self-employment and livelihood opportunities” while supporting clean, sustainable urban transport.
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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has indicated that parking areas at 70 Metro stations could provide space for electric-vehicle charging facilities for the DURGA autos.
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The government expects the scheme to generate employment beyond driving by creating jobs in allied sectors, according to the Cabinet statement cited by The Times of India.
The Delhi Cabinet has approved the DURGA scheme, which will put 1,300 pink electric autos on the city's roads. Of these, 1,170 autos will go to women and 130 to transgender persons Hindustan Times. The program aims to create self-employment opportunities while improving last-mile connectivity and making travel safer for vulnerable groups.
Each of Delhi's 13 revenue districts will receive autos under the first phase. Up to 90 autos will go to women and 10 to transgender beneficiaries in each district New Indian Express. Applicants must be Delhi residents aged 20 to 40 with a valid driving license and family income below ₹5 lakh for the 2025-26 financial year.
Boosting Self-Employment and Urban Transport
The DURGA scheme—Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto—tackles two goals at once. It creates dignified self-employment for women and transgender persons while expanding clean electric transport across Delhi Moneycontrol. The cabinet expects the scheme to generate jobs beyond driving, including work in related support sectors.
The first phase approval increased the original budget proposal. The 2026–27 Budget had planned for 1,000 women and 100 transgender beneficiaries. The approved scheme now includes 1,300 autos total, a boost of 200 vehicles Hindustan Times.
Eligibility Rules and Three-Year Lock-In Period
To qualify, applicants must be Delhi residents aged 20 to 40 with a valid light motor vehicle license and a Public Service Vehicle badge New Indian Express. Family income cannot exceed ₹5 lakh during 2025-26. Applicants cannot own other commercial transport vehicles, and women with more than three children are ineligible.
Once approved, beneficiaries must keep their auto for three years. Sale or transfer is banned during this lock-in period Moneycontrol. Applications will launch through a dedicated online portal. If demand exceeds supply, the government will award autos by lottery.
Tax Breaks and Metro Charging Infrastructure
The Delhi government is offering incentives to make electric autos affordable. Beneficiaries will receive vehicle subsidies and exemptions from road tax and registration fees under the state's electric-vehicle policy Moneycontrol. These breaks reduce the upfront cost burden for new auto owners.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has identified 70 Metro stations as potential charging hubs for DURGA autos Hindustan Times. This partnership ensures drivers have reliable access to charge their vehicles. The government is also exploring whether to charge access fees at these stations.
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