Delhi Cabinet Approves DURGA Scheme: 1,300 Pink Electric Autos for Women and Transgender Persons

On 23 September 2026, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by CM Rekha Gupta, approved the DURGA scheme (Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto). It lets eligible women and transgender persons own and drive electric autos and earn through self-employment.

Key Features of the DURGA Scheme

Objectives

The scheme aims to give safe, clean, and dignified work to women and transgender persons. It also targets better women's safety, more transgender participation in transport, last-mile connectivity, and cleaner city travel. It is designed around the difficulties passengers face in the early morning and late evening.

First Phase Allocation

In the first phase, 1,300 pink e-autos will be deployed: 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender persons. Each revenue district gets up to 90 e-autos for women and up to 10 for transgender persons. Applications will be taken on a dedicated portal.

Vehicle Integration

The e-autos will carry DURGA branding and special identification marks, so passengers can spot them easily and trust them more. They will also be linked with the public transport network. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has already set aside EV charging space in the parking areas of 70 Metro stations.

Eligibility Criteria for DURGA Scheme

Age & Residency

Women applicants must be 20 to 40 years old and residents of Delhi. Transgender applicants must meet the same age and residency conditions.

Documentation

Applicants need a valid voter ID card, an LMV driving licence, and a PSV badge. Transgender applicants must also submit a transgender certificate issued by the district magistrate's office.

Other Conditions

• Family income in FY 2025-26 must not exceed ₹5 lakh.
• The applicant's family must not own any registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler.
• A woman with more than three children is not eligible.
• The e-auto has a three-year lock-in period, during which it cannot be sold or transferred.

How Is the DURGA Scheme Beneficial for Women and Transgender Persons?

The scheme turns beneficiaries into vehicle owners and drivers, not just employees. This gives them a steady income and independence. It also opens a dignified job path for transgender persons, who often face barriers in employment. Passengers benefit too, as pink e-autos with clear branding can feel safer to travel in. Since the autos are electric, the scheme supports Delhi's goal of becoming a greener city, and it should create jobs in allied sectors as well.