Delhi approves DURGA e-auto scheme for women and transgender persons

The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA) scheme. The initiative aims to provide self-employment opportunities and promote cleaner transport by allocating 1,300 pink electric autos in its first phase, consisting of 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender persons.

To be eligible, applicants must be Delhi residents aged 20-40 with a valid voter ID, light motor vehicle (LMV) licence, and public service vehicle (PSV) badge. Family income for the 2025-26 period must not exceed Rs 5 lakh. Specific exclusions apply: women with more than three children or those whose families already own a registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler are ineligible. Transgender applicants must provide a valid certificate issued by the District Magistrate in Delhi.

The e-autos are subject to a mandatory three-year lock-in period during which they cannot be sold or transferred. To support the rollout, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has designated charging facilities at 70 metro station parking areas.

Additionally, the government launched the ‘Delhi PM Surya Ghar’ portal to facilitate rooftop solar installations. The program offers combined subsidies from the Centre and the Delhi Government totaling up to Rs 1.56 lakh for solar systems up to 3 kW.