Delhi govt orders shift to electric vehicles for Gramin Sewa scheme

In an effort to promote cleaner transportation, the Delhi government has mandated that all CNG-powered Gramin Sewa vehicles registered under the 2010-11 scheme must be replaced with electric vehicles.

The Gramin Sewa scheme, introduced in 2011, allows high-capacity three-wheelers with a seating capacity of six passengers to operate in rural areas, unauthorised resettlement colonies, and JJ (jhuggi-jhopri) clusters in Delhi.

A transport department order issued on Wednesday stated, “The replacement of existing Gramin Sewa vehicles shall be with electric vehicles, with a maximum seating capacity of six passengers plus a driver, duly approved by MORTH’s (Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) authorised testing agency.”

Kailash Gahlot, the transport minister in the outgoing Council of Ministers, affirmed, “The Delhi government is committed to making the city’s public transportation system more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

By replacing the old Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric models, “we are making a significant stride in reducing pollution and simultaneously enhancing the travel experience for commuters,” Gahlot added.

Owners of Gramin Sewa vehicles must apply for replacements online using Aadhaar-based verification or with an Enrolment ID (EID) if Aadhaar is unavailable.

They must also obtain a no-dues certificate within seven days, ensuring no outstanding taxes, fines, or criminal records are linked to the vehicle.

Once the certificate is received, the owners have 15 days to present their vehicles for scrapping at an authorised facility.

Afterward, they can purchase a certified electric vehicle from an authorised dealer, with the registration process being handled through a faceless procedure.

The order further clarified, “The permit issued to Gramin Sewa will remain for the same route and all other related details, with new vehicle registration updated on the renewed permit.”

Officials noted that while around 6,000 Gramin Sewa autorickshaws were initially registered, only 2,000 to 3,000 remain operational in rural areas today.

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Gahlot added that this move is in line with the government’s policy to promote electric vehicles and is expected to significantly aid efforts to reduce pollution and advance Delhi’s shift toward greener mobility.

Chandu Chaurasia, president of the Capital Driver Welfare Association, a union representing Gramin Sewa drivers, praised the decision.

“This is a very positive step, and on behalf of myself and other drivers, I congratulate the minister and transport department officers,” Chaurasia said.

He also urged the government to provide assistance with the transition to electric vehicles.

“The government invests heavily in electric buses; it should similarly assist us with subsidies and waive off the permit fitness penalty for those who have scrapped their old vehicles, so it’s easier for people to purchase new electric ones,” he added.

(With inputs from PTI)