By Abbas Nazil
Delhi marked a significant milestone in its push for sustainable transportation with the registration of its first electric Gramin Sewa vehicle.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reducing pollution and promoting clean mobility by phasing out CNG-powered vehicles under the Gramin Sewa scheme.
The newly introduced electric vehicle, designed for last-mile connectivity, has a seating capacity of six passengers plus a driver and is expected to enhance affordable transport services in underserved areas.
Gramin Sewa, launched in 2011, serves as a para-transit system catering to unauthorized resettlement colonies, rural regions, and JJ clusters.
These vehicles play a crucial role in providing cost-effective transport solutions to communities lacking adequate public transit options.
The transition to electric variants follows a directive issued by the Delhi Transport Department in September last year, mandating that all replacements of CNG-powered Gramin Sewa vehicles must be electric.
To ensure compliance, the new vehicles must adhere to approval standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and be equipped with a maximum seating capacity of six passengers plus a driver.
Chandu Chaurasia, President of Delhi’s Gramin Sewa Union, welcomed the transition, calling it a “matter of great happiness” for the drivers.
He expressed gratitude to the transport department and the administration while emphasizing the need for subsidies and financial incentives to support the shift to electric mobility.
He also acknowledged the government’s goal of initiating transformative change within 100 days and hoped for a seamless transition for drivers and vehicle owners.
Currently, official estimates suggest that while around 6,000 Gramin Sewa autorickshaws were initially registered, only 2,000 to 3,000 remain operational.
The shift to electric vehicles is expected to streamline operations, reduce emissions, and offer drivers a more economical alternative in the long run.
Registered owners seeking to replace their vehicles must follow an online, Aadhaar-based application process or use an Enrolment ID (EID) if Aadhaar is unavailable.
Additionally, they are required to obtain a no-dues certificate within seven days, ensuring there are no pending taxes, challans, or legal obligations before making the switch.
With the first electric Gramin Sewa vehicle now on the roads, stakeholders anticipate a gradual yet significant transformation in Delhi’s urban mobility landscape.
The success of this initiative depends on government incentives, infrastructural support, and the willingness of vehicle owners to embrace sustainable alternatives.