The Delhi Cabinet has approved the DURGA e-auto scheme, a new initiative aimed at creating self-employment opportunities for women and transgender persons in the national capital. Under the first phase, 1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated through a dedicated application process.Of the total 1,300 electric autos, 1,170 will be allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries. The scheme has been approved by the Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.Key HighlightsDelhi Cabinet approved the DURGA e-auto scheme.1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated in the first phase.1,170 autos are reserved for women.130 autos are reserved for transgender beneficiaries.Applications will be invited through a dedicated online portal.The scheme aims to support self-employment and safer last-mile transport.Eligibility conditions have been specified for applicants.The e-autos will carry DURGA branding and identification features.What Is the DURGA Scheme?DURGA stands for Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto. The Delhi Government has introduced the scheme to provide women and transgender persons with an opportunity to own and drive electric autos as a means of livelihood.The initiative is also linked to Delhi's broader push towards electric mobility and cleaner public transport. According to the government, the scheme is intended to support employment while improving last-mile connectivity and providing another transport option for passengers, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.How Many Pink E-Autos Will Be Allocated?The first phase will cover 1,300 pink electric autos.Of these:1,170 electric autos will be allocated to women.130 electric autos will be allocated to transgender beneficiaries.A maximum of 90 autos for women and up to 10 autos for transgender beneficiaries will be allocated in each revenue district.The government had earlier included the DURGA scheme in its 2026-27 budget plans, although the initial budget proposal referred to assistance for 1,000 women and 100 transgender persons. The latest Cabinet decision increases the first-phase allocation to 1,300 autos.Who Can Apply for Delhi Pink E-Autos?The Delhi Government has specified eligibility requirements for applicants.Women applicants must be between 20 and 40 years old and residents of Delhi. They must have a valid voter ID, a Light Motor Vehicle driving licence and a Public Service Vehicle badge.The government has also specified that women with more than three children will not be eligible. The applicant or her family must not own a registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler, while the combined family income for the 2025-26 financial year must not exceed ₹5 lakh.Transgender applicants will also need to provide a valid transgender certificate issued by the office of a Delhi District Magistrate, along with meeting the specified age, residency, driving licence and PSV badge requirements.How Will Applications Be Submitted?Applications for the DURGA scheme will be invited through a dedicated online portal that will be created for the programme.The government has not yet announced the complete application schedule through the reports available so far. Applicants should therefore check the official Delhi Government portal when the application process opens rather than relying on unofficial links or social media posts.Why Is the Government Introducing Pink Electric Autos?The Delhi Government has linked the scheme to both employment and public transport objectives.Women and transgender persons will have an opportunity to become owners and drivers of electric autos, creating a route to self-employment. The government also says the initiative is intended to strengthen women's safety, increase transgender participation in the transport sector and improve last-mile connectivity.The use of electric autos also fits into Delhi's broader Electric Vehicles policy and clean-transport goals.What About EV Charging?Charging infrastructure is also being considered as part of the scheme. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has indicated that charging space is already available in parking areas at 70 Metro stations, which could support the operation of electric autos.The government also expects the scheme to create employment opportunities in related areas such as vehicle servicing, repairs, charging and battery recycling.What Is the Lock-In Period?The e-autos allotted under the scheme will have a mandatory three-year lock-in period. During this period, the vehicles cannot be sold, transferred or disposed of.The vehicles will also carry DURGA branding and special identification features, which the government says will make them easier to identify and help build passenger confidence.DURGA Scheme and Women EmpowermentThe Delhi Government has presented the DURGA scheme as an employment and mobility initiative aimed at women and transgender persons.By enabling beneficiaries to own and operate electric autos, the scheme combines self-employment with electric mobility. Its implementation will also be assessed for its socio-economic impact, according to officials.
