Delhi DURGA Scheme Approved: 1,300 Pink E-Autos for Women and Transgender Drivers, Check Eligibility
The Delhi government has approved a new electric-auto initiative aimed at creating self-employment opportunities for women and transgender people while expanding last-mile transport options in the national capital.
The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has cleared the DURGA scheme, under which 1,300 pink electric autos are planned for the first phase. Of these, 1,170 e-autos have been earmarked for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries
DURGA stands for Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto. The government has presented the initiative as a combination of employment generation, cleaner mobility and improved accessibility to public transport.
The application process, however, has not started yet. A dedicated online portal is expected to be used for applications, and prospective beneficiaries will need to wait for the government to announce when registrations open.
How Will the 1,300 Pink E-Autos Be Distributed?The first phase will cover Delhi's 13 revenue districts
According to the announced allocation structure, each district can receive up to 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender beneficiaries.
Across the city, this takes the proposed first-phase allocation to 1,170 vehicles for women and 130 for transgender applicants.
The vehicles will carry distinctive DURGA branding, making them easier for commuters to identify.
Who Can Apply for the DURGA Scheme?The eligibility requirements differ slightly for women and transgender applicants.
Women applying under the scheme are required to be residents of Delhi and between 20 and 40 years of age
For women applicants, the reported eligibility conditions also specify that family income for financial year 2025-26 should not exceed ₹5 lakh.
In addition, neither the applicant nor her family should have a registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler in their name under the specified eligibility conditions.
The announced criteria also state that women with more than three children will not qualify for the scheme.
Applicants should verify the final conditions once the government releases the detailed application guidelines and online portal.
Eligibility Rules for Transgender ApplicantsTransgender applicants will also need to be Delhi residents between 20 and 40 years old
A valid voter ID, LMV driving licence and PSV badge are among the requirements specified for applicants.
In addition, transgender beneficiaries will have to provide a transgender certificate issued through a District Magistrate's office in Delhi, according to the announced criteria.
Applicants should keep their relevant identity and driving documents ready, but should wait for the official application notification before submitting personal information online.
E-Autos Cannot Be Sold for Three YearsThe DURGA scheme also includes a lock-in condition.
Beneficiaries will not be allowed to sell, transfer or hand over the allotted e-auto to another person during the mandatory three-year lock-in period
The provision is intended to ensure that vehicles issued through the programme continue to be operated by the eligible beneficiaries for whom the scheme was created.
Applicants should therefore consider the long-term responsibility of operating the vehicle before applying.
DURGA Vehicles Will Have a Separate IdentityThe electric autos introduced through the scheme will have dedicated DURGA branding.
A distinct appearance can help passengers identify vehicles operating under the programme and differentiate them from other autos running in Delhi.
The scheme is also intended to increase the participation of women and transgender drivers in the city's passenger transport system.
According to the government, another objective is to provide commuters—particularly women travelling during early mornings or late evenings—with an additional last-mile transport option.
EV Charging Infrastructure Is Also ImportantA large fleet of electric autos requires convenient access to charging infrastructure.
According to the announced plans, space has been made available for EV charging facilities in parking areas associated with 70 Delhi Metro stations
Greater availability of charging points could make it easier for electric-auto operators to recharge their vehicles while working across the city.
The wider shift toward electric vehicles could also support associated economic activity in areas such as EV servicing, battery maintenance, charging infrastructure and related technical services.
DURGA Builds on Delhi's Earlier E-Auto InitiativeDelhi has previously introduced measures to increase women's participation in the electric-auto sector.
Under an e-auto initiative launched in 2022, a portion of available permits was reserved for women. The latest DURGA programme creates a dedicated pool specifically for women and transgender beneficiaries.
The scheme was initially proposed in Delhi's 2026-27 Budget
Cabinet approval does not mean applications are already open.
The government plans to invite applications through a dedicated online portal
Potential applicants should therefore avoid unofficial websites or individuals claiming that registration has already started.
Once the official portal becomes operational, applicants should check the final eligibility requirements, documents, application procedure and allotment conditions before submitting their details.
The DURGA scheme is ultimately intended to combine three objectives: creating self-employment opportunities, increasing representation of women and transgender drivers in Delhi's transport sector, and adding cleaner last-mile mobility options across the capital.
Note: The Delhi Cabinet has approved the DURGA scheme, but the dedicated application portal is yet to open. Eligibility conditions and application procedures should be verified from the final official notification or Delhi government portal before applying.