Arya News - The scheme is aimed at creating self-employment opportunities while increasing the participation of women and transgender persons in Delhi’s transport sector. The government also intends to use the scheme to strengthen last-mile connectivity and provide safer transport options.
NEW DELHI – The Delhi Cabinet approved the ‘DURGA’ scheme on Wednesday at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The scheme will provide women and transgender persons opportunities to own and drive electric autos, proposing the allocation of 1,300 pink e-autos in the first phase.
Of the 1,300 vehicles, 1,170 will be earmarked for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries, officials said. A maximum of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender persons will be allocated in each revenue district. Applications for the scheme will be invited through a dedicated online portal, subject to eligibility criteria.
The scheme is aimed at creating self-employment opportunities while increasing the participation of women and transgender persons in Delhi’s transport sector. The government also intends to use the scheme to strengthen last-mile connectivity and provide safer transport options, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
Women applicants must be aged 20 to 40, be residents of Delhi with a valid voter identity card, LMV driving licence and PSV badge. Women with more than three children will not be eligible. Neither the applicant nor her family can own a registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler, while the annual family income for 2025-26 must not exceed Rs 5 lakh.
Transgender applicants will need a valid certificate issued by the Delhi District Magistrate, besides meeting the age, residency and driving licence requirements.
E-autos under the scheme will have a mandatory three-year lock-in period during which they cannot be sold or transferred. The vehicles will carry distinct ‘DURGA’ branding for identification.
The government said the scheme could also generate jobs in allied sectors such as repair, servicing, charging and battery recycling. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has made space for EV charging facilities available at 70 metro station parking areas, according to the statement.
Gupta said the scheme would combine economic empowerment with safer, cleaner and more inclusive urban transport in the capital.