The Delhi government has approved, in principle, the operation of privately-owned electric vehicles (EVs) as shared taxis, marking a significant step towards promoting electric mobility and reducing pollution in the capital. Cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, have announced plans to roll out shared taxi services within a month, with a special focus on services driven by women.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a meeting with automobile manufacturers and ride-hailing companies, suggesting that shuttle services be operated on Ring Road as well as to and from the airport. Officials said that the companies agreed to launch these services and are ready to onboard privately-owned EVs and BS-VI vehicles as taxis. However, this would require amendments to existing rules, which Gupta assured would be made soon. She emphasized that passenger safety must be strictly maintained by all operators.
The meeting also explored the integration of e-rickshaws into aggregator platforms and the implementation of pilot projects to assess their feasibility and effectiveness. The government reiterated its commitment to supporting these initiatives, aiming to increase public adoption of EVs and encourage shared mobility as a means to reduce traffic and pollution.
Representatives from automobile companies, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda, highlighted that controlling pollution effectively would require the large-scale deployment of electric vehicles and the creation of a people-focused EV policy. They also requested certain concessions to improve infrastructure, such as the establishment of more charging stations, which would help accelerate EV adoption in the city.
Chief Minister Gupta assured that the government is willing to provide land for charging stations but stressed that companies should also explore solar-powered charging options. She further emphasized that vehicle manufacturers and operators must manage battery waste responsibly to prevent additional environmental hazards.
The government’s approach includes providing facilitation, flexibility in rules, and resolving operational challenges for companies. At the same time, the companies were urged to provide benefits and concessions that would encourage public use of EVs and aggregator services. Gupta asked the companies to submit detailed plans showing the timeline for meeting demand-based EV supply across Delhi and to structure vehicle pricing to attract consumers.
The initiative forms part of Delhi’s broader strategy to tackle pollution, where the transport sector has been a major contributor. By promoting shared mobility, women-friendly taxi models, e-rickshaws, shuttle services, and electric vehicles, the government aims to offer safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation. Gupta reiterated that active participation from transport-related companies is essential for the capital to move toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and developed future.
This policy is expected to increase public adoption of EVs, reduce the number of vehicles on roads, and support Delhi’s mission to transform into a sustainable and “Viksit Delhi.”
