The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) approved the DURGA scheme (Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto). Under the first phase of the scheme, 1,300 pink electric autos will be allotted exclusively to women and transgender persons to promote self-employment and cleaner last-mile connectivity in the capital.
Of the total, 1,170 e-autos are reserved for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries. A maximum of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender persons will be allocated in each of Delhi’s 13 revenue districts.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme aims to provide “safe, clean and dignified employment opportunities” while promoting women’s safety, greater participation of transgender persons in the transport sector, last-mile connectivity, and sustainable urban transport.
Pink electric autos with distinctive ‘DURGA’ branding and identification features.
Beneficiaries will own and drive the vehicles.
Mandatory three-year lock-in period during which the e-autos cannot be sold, transferred, or disposed of.
Applications will be invited through a dedicated online portal.
The scheme is expected to support integration with Delhi’s public transport network and create allied jobs in servicing, charging, and battery recycling.
Age: 20 to 40 years
Resident of Delhi with a valid voter identity card
Valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge
Family must not own any registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler
Family income for FY 2025-26 must not exceed ₹5 lakh
Women with more than three children are not eligible
The scheme expands an earlier proposal and forms part of the Delhi government’s push for electric mobility and inclusive employment. It is linked to the broader Delhi EV Policy and aims to enhance women’s safety by increasing the number of women drivers available, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
Officials noted that the initiative will not only create livelihood opportunities but also contribute to reducing pollution through the promotion of electric vehicles.
Applications for the first phase will open once the dedicated portal is launched by the Transport Department. Eligible candidates are advised to keep the required documents ready, including identity proof, driving licence, income certificate, and (for transgender applicants) the official certificate.
This marks a significant step towards economic empowerment of women and transgender persons in Delhi’s public transport sector while advancing the city’s clean mobility goals.