Delhi Launches DURGA Scheme to Provide 1,300 Pink Electric Autos for Women and Transgender Drivers

Key Facts

• The DURGA scheme, standing for Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto, was approved by the Delhi government on 23 September 2026.
• It allocates 1,300 pink electric autorickshaw permits, with 1,170 reserved for women and 130 for transgender persons.
• Eligible beneficiaries receive a purchase incentive of ₹2,50,000 under the Delhi EV Policy 2026-30 during the first year, along with 100% exemption from road tax and registration fees.
• Eligibility criteria include: age between 20 and 40 years; Delhi residency proof; valid voter ID; light motor vehicle (LMV) driving licence; Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge; family income below ₹5 lakh; and not already owning a commercial three-wheeler.
• Applications are to be submitted through a dedicated online portal, and if applications exceed permits, a lottery (draw of lots) will be conducted.
• The scheme includes safety measures: pink e-autos will bear emergency contact numbers and women's helpline details, and drivers will be provided with distinctive jackets, caps, and identity cards.
• A budget allocation of ₹20 crore was made for the 2026-27 fiscal year to implement this scheme.

Background & Context

The DURGA scheme builds on Delhi's commitment to inclusive public transport and environmental sustainability. It integrates self-employment generation, women and transgender empowerment, and promotion of electric vehicle adoption focused on last-mile connectivity. The scheme follows earlier initiatives where reserved permits for women driving electric autos were implemented but expands support to transgender drivers with dedicated pink autos branded distinctly for easy recognition and safety. This scheme also aligns with the Delhi EV Policy 2026-30, which promotes electric vehicles through incentives and infrastructure development.

Why This Matters for Exams

The DURGA scheme covers multiple themes commonly tested in exams, such as government welfare programs, social empowerment of marginalized groups, urban transport infrastructure policies, and environmental conservation via green mobility initiatives. Knowledge of its detailed features – including permit allocations, eligibility criteria, incentives, and safety aspects – is vital for understanding how state governments implement inclusive and sustainable policies. It exemplifies a contemporary government intervention aimed at economic upliftment of women and transgender persons and is an important current affairs topic for competitive exams.

Points to Remember

• DURGA = Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto.
• 1,300 pink electric auto permits allocated: 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender persons.
• ₹2.5 lakh financial incentive for purchase under Delhi EV Policy 2026-30, and 100% annual exemption from road tax and registration fees.
• Applicants must be Delhi residents aged 20-40 years, with valid LMV license and PSV badge, income below ₹5 lakh, and no existing commercial three-wheeler.
• Applications through online portal; lottery system if more applicants than permits.
• Safety features include distinctive pink autos displaying women’s helpline and emergency contacts, and drivers receive special jackets, caps, and ID cards.
• The scheme is funded with ₹20 crore in the Delhi government's 2026-27 budget.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. 1,000 pink e-autos for women and 300 for transgender persons
2. 1,170 pink e-autos for women and 130 for transgender persons
3. 1,300 pink e-autos only for women
4. 1,500 pink e-autos equally distributed between women and men

Answer: 2. 1,170 pink e-autos for women and 130 for transgender persons

Question 2

1. ₹1,00,000
2. ₹2,50,000
3. ₹5,00,000
4. No financial incentive

Answer: 2. ₹2,50,000

Question 3

1. Age 18-50 years, any state resident, income below ₹10 lakh
2. Age 20-40 years, Delhi resident, income below ₹5 lakh
3. Age 21-35 years, Delhi resident, no income limit
4. Age 18-30 years, any resident of NCR region

Answer: 2. Age 20-40 years, Delhi resident, income below ₹5 lakh