Delhi Government’s Bold Move Towards Cleaner Air: Electric Fleet Mandate by 2030

Posted On - 4 December, 2023 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva

With the introduction of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme on 29th November, 2023, the government of Delhi has taken a significant step towards reducing the number of vehicles that contribute to air pollution and fostering environmentally responsible modes of transportation.[1] Because of this policy, all taxi aggregators and delivery service providers that operate in the capital are required to convert their entire fleets to electric vehicles (EVs) by the year 2030 in a phased manner.

Key Aspects of the Policy to Consider:

  • All aggregators in Delhi that offer passenger transport, delivery services, and e-commerce vehicles are included in the policy’s coverage, which is comprehensive.
  • In order to comply with the mandatory registration requirements, interested entities are required to register with the government within ninety days of the notification date and obtain a licence that will be valid for a period of five years.
  • After the year 2030, all aggregators, such as Ola, Uber, and e-commerce platforms, will be required to operate solely on electric vehicles. This requires them to operate exclusively on electric vehicles. However, this policy does not apply to buses.
  • Although the programme permits the use of bicycle taxis, the only two-wheelers that will be considered valid immediately are electric bicycles. As a result of financial considerations, operators of bike taxis have expressed the need for additional time to transition to electric vehicles.
  • The establishment of a command-and-control centre that is operational around the clock and is responsible for monitoring vehicle movements and responding to panic button alerts is a requirement that must be met by aggregators.
  • The government has established timelines for aggregators to transition a percentage of their fleet to electric vehicles over the next five years. These timelines range from 5% within the first six months to 100% by the end of the five years.
  • Violations of the policy will result in fines, which can range from ₹5,000 for the first offence to ₹100,000 for multiple violations. Non-compliance will result in fines.

Professional Opinions:

The move has been praised by specialists, who have stated that the implementation of a mandate is an efficient method to promote electric vehicles and cut emissions. It has been determined that vehicles are the primary contributors to the pollutants that are found in Delhi, with their daily PM2.5 contribution ranging from ten percent to thirty percent during the winter months.

Obstacles and suggestions for extending the deadline:

Due to the fact that they are experiencing financial difficulties, operators of bike taxis have requested additional time for the transition to electric vehicles. Regarding the promotion of cleaner air and the reduction of emissions, the government places a strong emphasis on the significance of this shift.

[1] https://transport.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Transport/circulars-orders/250308.pdf