Delhi News: In a bid to enhance last-mile connectivity and promote electric vehicles (EVs), the Delhi government, under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, has initiated several initiatives. On September 21, the government floated tenders for deploying e-scooters and e-cycles to bolster last-mile transportation in Dwarka. Additionally, it is likely that the existing Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy-2020, which expired on August 8 this year, will be extended by six months or until a new policy is finalized, as per Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.
One key aspect of the upcoming EV policy revision is the exploration of retrofitting options. The government aims to incentivize individuals who wish to convert their internal combustion engine vehicles into electric ones. Retrofitting such vehicles can be expensive, costing approximately ₹5-6 lakh for a standard Gypsy. Addressing this concern, the government is looking into ways to make this transition more financially viable.
Government has taken steps to enhance last-mile connectivity
Furthermore, the government has taken steps to enhance last-mile connectivity by floating a tender for the deployment of 3,000 e-scooters and e-cycles. In the initial phase, 1,500 of these vehicles will be stationed at metro stations, with Dwarka serving as a pilot project location.
Following the expiration of the previous policy on August 8, the registration of electric vehicles was halted temporarily. However, the government has resumed EV registrations, and subsidy benefits from the existing policy will continue until the new policy is officially announced.
The Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, initially released on August 7, 2020, was set to remain valid for three years from its issue date. To ensure continuity and advancement in electric mobility, the process for extending the policy has been initiated, with a draft Cabinet note approved for this purpose.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot expressed the government’s commitment to serving the citizens of Delhi by promoting electric vehicles and enhancing their accessibility. The transport department revealed that as of May 2023, the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy had achieved approximately 86 percent of its outlined measures and targets.
Stakeholders were consulted as part of the process to draft a revised ‘Delhi EV Policy 2.0.’
In May 2023, stakeholders were consulted as part of the process to draft a revised ‘Delhi EV Policy 2.0.’ Delhi’s commitment to becoming the country’s electric vehicle capital is evident, with the city boasting the highest number of EVs purchased in the country, as highlighted by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in June.
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