Delhi is preparing to roll out a women-led electric mobility programme aimed at widening economic access while improving safety in last-mile transport across the capital. The proposed Durga E Auto Scheme is expected to introduce women-operated electric autorickshaws into the city’s public transport network, marking a shift towards cleaner and more inclusive urban mobility.
According to officials familiar with the proposal, the first phase of the programme is likely to allocate electric autorickshaw permits to nearly 1,000 women and around 100 transgender beneficiaries. The initiative comes at a time when Delhi is attempting to strengthen its electric vehicle ecosystem while also addressing persistent concerns around women’s safety in public transport. Government departments are currently reviewing the draft framework before it is placed before the Cabinet for approval. A digital application platform is also under development in partnership with technology agencies to streamline permit distribution and verification processes. The Durga E Auto Scheme is expected to prioritise applicants through a first-come-first-served model. Eligibility conditions under discussion include Delhi residency, voter identification, a valid commercial driving licence with passenger vehicle endorsement, and household income restrictions.
Officials indicated that applicants from households already owning autorickshaws may not qualify, signalling an effort to widen access among lower-income families entering the transport economy for the first time. Urban mobility experts say the programme reflects a broader transition in Indian cities where electric public transport is increasingly being linked with livelihood generation and gender participation. While Delhi already has one of the country’s largest electric vehicle adoption programmes, women remain significantly underrepresented in commercial transport services. Analysts believe targeted permit schemes could help close that gap if backed by financing support, charging access and long-term operational security. The policy also carries implications for the city’s climate goals. Replacing conventional fossil-fuel autorickshaws with battery-powered alternatives could contribute to lower roadside emissions and reduced urban air pollution, particularly in dense residential and commercial corridors.
Transport researchers note that smaller electric public transport fleets can play a critical role in improving first and last-mile connectivity without adding significantly to carbon-intensive infrastructure. Officials associated with the project said permit holders may also be linked with app-based ride aggregation platforms to improve ride access and earnings. However, industry observers caution that sustained income opportunities will depend on charging infrastructure availability, affordable maintenance ecosystems and access to low-interest vehicle financing. The proposed scheme arrives as Delhi continues to face mounting pressure from rising temperatures, deteriorating air quality and mobility inequality. By combining electric transport adoption with women-centric employment generation, the Durga E Auto Scheme could become a test case for how Indian cities integrate climate-conscious infrastructure with inclusive urban development. Its long-term success, however, will likely depend on execution, affordability and whether beneficiaries are able to remain economically viable beyond the initial rollout phase.
