Delhi’s Green Revolution: Private EVs to Hit the Streets as Shared Taxis Within 30 Days

NEW DELHI – In a move that’s set to change how we commute (and how we earn), the Delhi government has just greenlit a plan to allow privately-owned electric vehicles (EVs) to operate as shared taxis on platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared the news following a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday, where she sat down with industry giants like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki, along with major cab aggregators. The message was clear: if you own an electric car, you’re about to have a lot more flexibility.

The 30-Day Fast-Track Plan

For years, driving for a ride-sharing app meant dealing with commercial permits and yellow plates. This new "in-principle" agreement looks to slash that red tape for EV owners.

Here’s what’s coming in the next 30 days:

Private EV Integration: Private EV owners can onboard their vehicles onto aggregator apps to operate as shared taxis.

Women-Driven Cabs: A dedicated push for female-led taxi services will be rolled out simultaneously to boost safety and employment.

BS-VI Inclusion: Along with EVs, cleaner BS-VI compliant vehicles are also expected to be inducted into the shared fleet.

"Sustainable pollution control in Delhi is possible only if we reduce the number of vehicles on the roads," CM Gupta stated. "Transport companies must actively support the government's mission so that the capital quickly transforms into a 'Viksit Delhi'."

Infrastructure: Beyond Just the Cars

The government isn’t just asking for more cars; they are building the ecosystem to support them.

Land for Charging: The government has offered land for setting up new charging stations across the city.

Solar Power & Waste: In a move to ensure the project stays truly "green," the CM has insisted that companies explore solar-powered charging and take full responsibility for battery waste management.

Shuttle Services: To tackle the heaviest traffic corridors, aggregators have been encouraged to launch shuttle services on the Ring Road and routes connecting to IGI Airport.

Safety and Regulation

While the government is introducing flexibility, safety remains the top priority. The Delhi Transport Department is currently drafting regulatory amendments to allow private registration vehicles to operate commercially. Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that while the rules will be simplified, passenger safety standards must be strictly enforced by the platforms without compromise.

Industry Reaction

Automobile manufacturers welcomed the move but called for a "people-centric" EV policy to ensure mass adoption. Aggregators like Ola and Uber have already expressed readiness, noting that the ability to onboard private vehicles will significantly expand the city's app-based mobility ecosystem.

TL;DR

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has approved a policy allowing private electric vehicles to run as shared taxis on Ola/Uber. Expect a rollout within 30 days, featuring more shared ride options and a focus on women-driven cabs. The move aims to cut Delhi’s pollution by reducing private car usage and shifting to clean energy.