Delhi Set to Say Goodbye to Petrol and Diesel Cabs with New Aggregator Policy

The Delhi government led by the Aam Admi Party (AAP) is preparing to implement its aggregator policy in the national capital, with a strong emphasis on promoting Electric Vehicles. As per reports, the policy has been finalized and will be submitted to the cabinet for approval shortly. Under the new policy, taxi companies, food delivery services, and e-commerce firms will be required to transition to all-electric fleets by April 2030.

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has stated that the new policy aims to enable a gradual shift towards cleaner fuel. According to him, by April 1, 2030, all taxis and e-commerce companies in Delhi will operate with electric fleets. With the highest adoption of Electric Vehicles in India, Delhi has already made notable progress.

Also Read: 10 April 2023: Petrol And Diesel Rates Remain Constant, Check Prices Of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai And More

Earlier this month, the Delhi government’s law department approved the policy, and it is now awaiting final approval from the Transport Department and the Lieutenant General. The policy also permits aggregators to operate electric bike taxis in the national capital. Minister Gahlot stated that the policy mandates aggregators to adopt electric two-wheelers to promote eco-friendly transportation.

Moreover, the minister stated that the government plans to set up additional electric charging infrastructure throughout the city at reasonable rates.

The policy outlines a gradual approach to adopting Electric Vehicles, proposing that approximately 5% of the aggregators’ new fleet obtained within six months of notification should be electric. Within nine months, the figure will rise to 15%, followed by 25% by the end of the first year, 50% by the end of the second year, 75% by the end of the third year, and ultimately 100% by the end of the fourth year.

Also Read: Sebi Prohibits Four Entities from Securities Market for Six Months for Unregistered Investment Advisory

According to the plan, all commercial vehicles in Delhi will be Electric Vehicles by April 1, 2030, aiming to decrease pollution levels in the national capital. Based on recent measurements, vehicles were responsible for nearly half of Delhi’s contribution to PM2.5 levels. When factoring in the overall pollution levels in the NCR districts, including biomass burning, vehicular pollution accounted for roughly 17% of the PM 2.5 concentration.