Amid renewed concerns over women’s safety in the Capital, the Delhi Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the DURGA scheme, paving the way for 1,300 pink electric autos reserved for women and transgender persons.
The scheme, approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is aimed at creating self-employment opportunities while strengthening last-mile connectivity and providing commuters with another transport option, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. It was earlier announced in the Delhi government’s 2026-27 Budget in March. The original plan was to help 1,000 women and 100 transgender persons obtain new auto permits in the first phase. It is also an expansion from what was announced in the Budget six months ago: 1,300 e-autos in the Cabinet-cleared plan compared with 1,100 beneficiaries originally proposed.
Applications will be invited through a dedicated online portal. The government is yet to announce when the portal will open or when the first DURGA e-autos will hit the roads. Charging infrastructure is also part of the plan.
Space for EV charging facilities has already been made available in parking areas at 70 Delhi Metro stations, according to the government.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme will give women and transgender persons an opportunity to own and drive electric autos, providing a source of self-employment while increasing their participation in Delhi’s transport sector. The government says safety is also a key part of the plan, particularly for passengers travelling during early morning and late evening hours.
