Delhi Announces 1,300 E-Autos Under DURGA Scheme for Women, Transgender Persons

The Delhi government will distribute 1,300 pink electric autos to women and transgender persons in the first phase of its DURGA (Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender) E-Auto Scheme, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh announced on Sunday.

Of the total vehicles earmarked for distribution, 1,170 will be allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries, according to the minister. Singh said the initiative aims to promote economic independence by creating livelihood opportunities for women and transgender persons and encouraging their participation in the transport sector.

“The objective goes beyond allocation of electric vehicles. It is about creating opportunities for women and transgender persons to build independent livelihoods, participate more actively in the transport sector and become self-reliant,” he said.

The scheme also seeks to strengthen public confidence in beneficiaries operating electric autos, promote cleaner mobility and improve access to inclusive last-mile transportation, Singh added. Under the first phase, each revenue district will have a maximum allocation of 90 electric autos for women and 10 for transgender persons, subject to prescribed quotas and eligibility conditions.

The government will follow a structured allocation process through a dedicated digital portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Applications will be scrutinised by district-level committees headed by the respective District Magistrates, the minister said.

Verification of applications will be carried out weekly. In districts where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available quota, beneficiaries will be selected through an online draw of lots to ensure a transparent allocation process. Eligible beneficiaries will also be able to avail themselves of applicable purchase incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026, Singh said.

The initiative is intended to combine employment generation with the promotion of electric mobility, while expanding opportunities for women and transgender persons to earn a livelihood through the city's transport network. Further details on applications and eligibility will be made available through the scheme's designated digital portal.