Durga E-Auto Scheme to provide women and transgender persons with dignified self-employment and strengthen safe transport: CM Rekha Gupta
Focus on facilities for Durga e-auto drivers, from charging points at metro stations to stands near women’s colleges
Beneficiaries will also be eligible for purchase incentives under the EV Policy: Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh
New Delhi, October 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the digital portal (https://evsubsidy.delhi.gov.in/DurgaScheme) for the DURGA (Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender E-Auto) Scheme at the Delhi Secretariat. The scheme will give women and transgender persons an opportunity to become owners and drivers of electric autos and earn a livelihood with dignity. The Chief Minister said the economic empowerment of women and transgender persons, along with improving their access to safe transport, was among the Delhi Government’s priorities. The DURGA scheme is an important step in this direction, enabling women and transgender persons to own and drive pink electric autos and gain opportunities for dignified self-employment and financial independence. Delhi Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh and senior officials were present on the occasion.
1,300 pink e-autos to be allotted in first phase
The Chief Minister said a total of 1,300 pink e-autos would be allotted in the first phase of the scheme. Of these, 1,170 have been earmarked for women and 130 for transgender persons. The allocation quota has been set at a maximum of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender persons in each revenue district. Through this initiative, the government aims to create self-employment opportunities for the targeted groups and increase their participation in public transport.
Digital portal to ensure transparent allocation
CM Rekha Gupta said a dedicated digital portal had been developed to ensure the scheme was implemented in a transparent and organised manner. The application process will remain open for three months after the scheme is approved. If the number of eligible applications finally received in a district exceeds its prescribed quota when the portal closes, allotments will be made through an online lottery. Letters of Intent will subsequently be issued to eligible beneficiaries. The system is intended to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
Eligibility criteria for the scheme
The Chief Minister said women applicants must be between 20 and 40 years of age and residents of Delhi. They must hold a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence and a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge. The annual family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh, and the prescribed condition relating to a maximum of three living children will also apply. Transgender applicants must also meet the specified age and Delhi residency requirements and hold a valid driving licence and PSV badge.
Facilities planned near colleges and metro stations
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government was working to establish stands for DURGA e-autos near women’s colleges to make commuting easier for students and other women passengers. The Delhi Metro and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have also been requested to provide dedicated parking and charging spaces for DURGA e-autos at metro stations and Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) stations. Coordination among the Delhi Police, the Municipal Corporation and the concerned transport agencies will also be important for implementing the scheme.
Employment opportunities to grow in supporting sectors
The Chief Minister said the impact of the DURGA scheme would extend beyond the operation of 1,300 e-autos. It is also expected to create employment opportunities in supporting sectors such as local repair workshops, vehicle servicing, charging services, battery recycling and maintenance. The initiative will promote the economic self-reliance of women and transgender persons while strengthening the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The livelihood and socio-economic changes experienced by beneficiaries will be assessed in two phases to understand the scheme’s actual impact and help make its implementation more effective.
EV policy benefits and support from aggregators
Delhi Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said beneficiaries of the scheme would also be eligible for the purchase incentives prescribed under the Delhi EV Policy 2026. In addition, aggregators such as Uber, Ola, Bharat Taxi and Rapido will be approached to provide DURGA e-auto drivers with free onboarding and subscriptions for six months. This will help beneficiaries operate their e-autos and connect with passengers. The DURGA E-Auto Scheme aims to connect women and transgender persons with employment, dignity and self-reliance while promoting safe and environment-friendly transport in Delhi. The government aims to implement the initiative effectively through transparent allocation, better infrastructure and coordination among the concerned agencies.
