What DURGA aims to achieve
Delhi's auto-rickshaw sector has historically been dominated by male drivers, leaving few formal pathways for women or transgender residents to enter last-mile public transport as vehicle owners rather than passengers. The DURGA scheme was designed to change that by reserving a defined category of electric auto permits exclusively for women and transgender applicants, backed by financial support that makes vehicle ownership realistic rather than just theoretically possible.
The initiative also ties into Delhi's wider electric mobility push. Pink e-autos running under DURGA contribute to the city's clean transport goals while creating a visibly safer transport option, since the vehicles will display women's helpline and emergency contact numbers for passengers.
Key Takeaways
- DURGA was first proposed in the Delhi Budget 2026-27 and formally approved by the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on 23 September 2026.
- The scheme reserves 1,300 electric auto permits in its first phase, split as 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries.
- The Delhi government allocated ₹20 crore in the 2026-27 budget specifically for e-autos for women and transgender drivers under this scheme.
- Eligible applicants must be women or transgender residents of Delhi aged 20 to 40 years.
- The scheme is not a free handout; it combines a reserved permit with purchase subsidy and loan interest subvention, meaning beneficiaries still contribute toward vehicle ownership.
- Selected drivers receive identity cards and special DURGA jackets and caps, and the pink e-autos will display women's helpline numbers for passenger safety.
Who is eligible for the DURGA E-Auto Scheme?
- The applicant must be a woman or a transgender person aged between 20 and 40 years.
- The applicant must be a resident of Delhi, with residency proof required at the time of application.
- Applicants must be willing and able to drive the vehicle themselves, since the scheme is built around self-employment through direct vehicle ownership and operation.
- A valid driving license for commercial or light motor vehicles is expected, consistent with standard auto-rickshaw permit requirements in Delhi.
What support the scheme actually provides
| Component | What it means for the applicant |
|---|---|
| Reserved e-auto permit | A pink electric auto permit set aside specifically within the 1,300-permit first phase, reducing competition with the general permit pool |
| Purchase subsidy | Financial assistance toward the upfront cost of the electric auto, reducing the amount the beneficiary has to pay |
| Loan interest subvention | A reduction in the effective interest rate on any vehicle loan taken to cover the remaining cost |
| Identity and safety features | DURGA-branded jackets, caps and identity cards for drivers, plus women's helpline numbers displayed on the vehicle |
Phase-wise permit allocation
- Phase 1 covers 1,300 pink e-auto permits in total.
- Of these, 1,170 permits are reserved for women applicants.
- The remaining 130 permits are reserved for transgender applicants.
- The original budget proposal envisaged 1,000 permits for women and 100 for transgender persons, which the Cabinet subsequently expanded to the current 1,170 and 130 figures.
What applicants should know before applying
The scheme does not provide a completely free electric auto. Beneficiaries are expected to make a financial contribution toward the vehicle, supported by the purchase subsidy and loan interest subvention rather than a full government-funded handout. Applicants should budget for their share of the vehicle cost and factor in loan repayment even with the subsidized interest rate.
As of early October 2026, the scheme has been approved by the Delhi Cabinet, with reports suggesting a possible launch around Diwali 2026. Prospective applicants should watch for the official application window and detailed guidelines from the Delhi Transport Department once the scheme is formally rolled out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DURGA stand for in the Delhi e-auto scheme?
DURGA stands for Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto, a Delhi government scheme to help women and transgender persons own and drive electric autos.
Who is eligible for the Delhi DURGA E-Auto Scheme?
Women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 20 to 40 years are eligible, subject to the documentation and driving licence requirements set by the Delhi Transport Department.
How many e-auto permits does the scheme provide?
The first phase provides 1,300 pink e-auto permits in total, with 1,170 reserved for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries.
Is the electric auto given free of cost under DURGA?
No, the scheme does not provide a free vehicle. It offers a reserved permit along with purchase subsidy and loan interest subvention, so beneficiaries still contribute toward the cost.
When was the DURGA scheme approved?
The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the scheme on 23 September 2026, after it was first proposed in the Delhi Budget 2026-27.
What budget has the Delhi government allocated for this scheme?
The Delhi government allocated ₹20 crore in the 2026-27 Budget specifically for e-autos for women and transgender drivers under the DURGA scheme.
Want help tracking the DURGA Scheme rollout or your application?
As official guidelines and the application window for DURGA are released, having the right documents and loan paperwork ready in advance makes a real difference. Book a free consultation with Growthora, and we will help you stay prepared as the scheme opens for applications.
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