The Delhi government is preparing to launch the DURGA E-Auto Scheme, under which 1,300 pink electric autorickshaws will be allotted in the first phase. Of these, 1,170 are reserved for women and 130 for transgender persons, in a push to create self-employment opportunities and make last-mile travel safer.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Sunday that the scheme — DURGA stands for Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender — aims to help women and transgender persons earn a steady livelihood and become financially independent, while also promoting electric transport and improving last-mile connectivity across the capital. The scheme has been approved by the Delhi Cabinet under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
How the allotment will work
Each revenue district will have a quota of up to 90 autos for women and 10 for transgender beneficiaries. Applications will be accepted through a digital portal developed by the National Informatics Centre, Delhi, and committees led by District Magistrates will review applications every week. Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the quota, selection will take place through an online draw of lots.
Those selected will receive Letters of Intent, identity cards, and DURGA-branded jackets and caps. They will also be eligible for incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026. Aggregators will be encouraged to provide free onboarding and subscriptions to help the drivers join digital mobility platforms.
Safer last-mile travel
The Transport Department has sought dedicated parking and charging spaces for these autos at Metro and Namo Bharat stations from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. The scheme is also aimed at making last-mile travel safer and more convenient for women, particularly those travelling to and from Metro stations early in the morning or late in the evening.
The government said a two-phase evaluation will assess the scheme's impact on the beneficiaries' livelihoods and financial stability.
Sources:
Delhi To Launch 1,300 Pink Electric Autos With Women, Transgender Drivers — NDTV
Delhi govt plans e-Auto scheme DURGA to create employment for women, transgenders — IANS via Hi India
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Sunday that the scheme — DURGA stands for Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender — aims to help women and transgender persons earn a steady livelihood and become financially independent, while also promoting electric transport and improving last-mile connectivity across the capital. The scheme has been approved by the Delhi Cabinet under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
How the allotment will work
Each revenue district will have a quota of up to 90 autos for women and 10 for transgender beneficiaries. Applications will be accepted through a digital portal developed by the National Informatics Centre, Delhi, and committees led by District Magistrates will review applications every week. Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the quota, selection will take place through an online draw of lots.
Those selected will receive Letters of Intent, identity cards, and DURGA-branded jackets and caps. They will also be eligible for incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026. Aggregators will be encouraged to provide free onboarding and subscriptions to help the drivers join digital mobility platforms.
Safer last-mile travel
The Transport Department has sought dedicated parking and charging spaces for these autos at Metro and Namo Bharat stations from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. The scheme is also aimed at making last-mile travel safer and more convenient for women, particularly those travelling to and from Metro stations early in the morning or late in the evening.
The government said a two-phase evaluation will assess the scheme's impact on the beneficiaries' livelihoods and financial stability.
Sources:
Delhi To Launch 1,300 Pink Electric Autos With Women, Transgender Drivers — NDTV
Delhi govt plans e-Auto scheme DURGA to create employment for women, transgenders — IANS via Hi India
