May 16, 2025
A scientific study will assess the number of CNG vehicles in use, with a target to transition them fully to electric by April 1, 2026
The panel will propose year-wise targets for private and semi-public charging infrastructure, including the use of space under flyovers
Land allocation plans for large-scale EV adoption and battery waste management will be integrated into the new policy
Delays in subsidy disbursement under the current policy will be reviewed, and specific recommendations will be made for women beneficiaries
The Delhi government has formed a 10-member expert committee to draft a revised electric vehicle (EV) policy, aiming to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate the transition from CNG to electric vehicles. Officials confirmed on Friday that the committee has been assigned a 12-point agenda covering critical areas such as charging infrastructure, battery waste management, subsidy disbursement, and last-mile connectivity.
A key directive to the committee is to ensure that a scientific study is conducted to assess the number of CNG vehicles operating in the city and to recommend a viable plan for transitioning all of them to EVs within a year, starting April 1, 2026. The revised policy will also focus on enabling EV charging stations under flyovers and outline specific annual targets for establishing private and semi-public charging stations.
The policy revision process is expected to include a long-term plan for land allocation in response to the anticipated increase in EV adoption by the public. This will be a crucial component of the updated policy to meet the evolving needs of the National Capital Territory.
The expert panel features notable members, including K Ramachandra Rao, professor at IIT Delhi and head of the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre; Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, advisor at NITI Aayog; the managing director of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC); senior transport department officials; and representatives from power distribution companies.
Chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi cabinet had earlier extended the current EV policy by three months during a meeting held on April 16. Since its launch in August 2020 under the AAP government, the policy has aimed to curb vehicular pollution and reach 25% EV penetration by 2024. Though originally designed for three years, it has seen multiple extensions under both the previous and current administrations.
The committee has also been tasked with evaluating the causes behind subsidy disbursement delays and identifying how many women have benefited from the scheme. It will recommend that the appropriate quantum of subsidy be granted to women.
To address the demand for last-mile transport in congested and unauthorised areas, the committee will explore the deployment of e-rickshaws and mini-cabs. It is expected to recommend suitable routes, permissible fleet sizes, and locations for public charging points in these zones.
The committee will submit Fortnightly Progress Reports to Transport Minister Pankaj Singh as the city prepares to finalise its next phase in electric mobility transformation.
Source: Economic Times