NDMC announces 50% parking rebate for EV in Lutyens’ Delhi

The NDMC on Thursday announced a 50 per cent rebate on parking for electric vehicles and the launch of shuttle bus services for employees from four residential areas beginning May 15 in a bid to promote green transport.

The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by NDMC vice chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal at Palika Kendra, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for sustainable development, fuel conservation, environmental protection, energy efficiency and digital work culture amid the crisis in West Asia and its impact on fuel supply.

Chahal announced that the New Delhi Municipal Council will give a 50 per cent rebate in parking charges for electric vehicles at its parking facilities starting from Monday.

“As part of the initiative, NDMC will start shuttle bus services for employees from four residential areas – Palika Awas, Sarojini Nagar; Palika Gram, Laxmibai Nagar; Amrit Kaal Niwas, Jor Bagh Road; and Bapu Dham Flats, Chanakyapuri,” he said in a statement.

The buses will reach designated points at 9 am and leave for Palika Kendra at 9.30 am. In the evening, they will depart from Palika Kendra at 5.30 pm and reach residential areas by 6 pm. There will be a nodal officer for each route.

Chahal said the service would be expanded from Monday to cover 14 more residential areas through 16 buses.

These include Palika Kunj, Mehar Chand Market; Palika Niwas and Multistorey Flats on Lodhi Road; Palika Milan; Pushp Vihar, Saket; Valmiki Sadan; Gandhi Sadan; Palika Niketan, R K Puram; Palika Enclave, Moti Bagh; and Rohini Housing Complex.

All department heads and officers will use metro or other public transport every Monday, while employees will be encouraged to adopt carpooling.

Officials undertaking field inspections and site visits will use shared 16-seater vehicles, according to the statement.

The civic body has held discussions with the Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi Police to streamline e-rickshaw and e-auto services for officials and employees to improve last-mile connectivity.

Chahal said NDMC would promote cycling among its officials.

He said the council currently has 51 e-bike stations and around 500 bicycles, which would be utilised optimally.

He added that discussions had also been held with bar associations to encourage advocates and legal professionals to adopt carpooling and shared transport.

“To reduce unnecessary travel and improve efficiency, online meetings and video conferencing will be prioritised. Official foreign travel of officers and employees has been cancelled for now, and employees will also be encouraged to avoid non-essential private foreign travel,” Chahal said.

In another key decision, NDMC said it would not purchase any new petrol, diesel or CNG vehicles for the next one year.

The council also said special emphasis would be laid on energy conservation in offices and institutions, with the electricity department ensuring scientific and regulated use of air-conditioning systems.

NDMC will soon hold meetings with resident welfare associations and traders’ associations to spread awareness on sustainable lifestyles, responsible consumption and environmental protection. It will also promote healthy living and limited use of oil in food.

The education department will start online classes after the summer vacation and organise awareness programmes for students and parents on digital education, environmental protection and sustainable living.

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Under the new arrangement, up to 33 per cent of Group B and Group C employees in identified departments may be allowed to work from home based on requirement, with department heads preparing rotation duty rosters to ensure uninterrupted public services.

A special nodal officer will also be appointed in each department to monitor implementation of the decisions.