EXCLUSIVE | Rekha Gupta on Delhi's EV Policy: "Clean Air Is a Basic Human Right"

This is more of a responsible transition, rather than being an aggressive transition. Governments are often judged by how they solve today’s problems. I believe they should also be judged by how well they prepare for tomorrow. Delhi is India’s capital, and whatever direction Delhi takes often becomes an example for the rest of the country. If we want Delhi to remain a world class city by 2047 as the Amrit Peedhi (nectar generation), we cannot continue relying on yesterday’s technologies. The future of mobility across the world is changing rapidly, and Delhi cannot afford to stand still while everyone else is moving forward.

There is also a very practical reason behind this decision. During the winter months, vehicular emissions contribute nearly 23 per cent of Delhi’s air pollution. Every parent wants their child to play in the park without worrying about pollution. Every senior citizen deserves to go for a morning walk without discomfort. Clean air is not a luxury; it is more of a basic human right.

That’s why our EV policy has been designed as a complete ecosystem rather than merely as a subsidy scheme. We are investing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to strengthen charging infrastructure and aim to expand Delhi’s public-charging network from around 9,000 charging points today to nearly 32,000 charging points during the policy period. Alongside this, we are supporting battery swapping, promoting skill development, simplifying approvals and creating a transparent digital system for incentives. Our objective is simple: before asking people to change their vehicles, the government must first create the confidence that the entire ecosystem is ready.

Delhi has always led transformative changes. When compressed natural gas [CNG] was introduced, many people doubted whether it would work. The same doubts existed when the metro project began. Today, both have become defining features of modern Delhi. Electric mobility is the next chapter in that journey. We are not changing vehicles for the sake of technology; we are building a healthier city, a stronger green economy and a more sustainable future. So yes, there is some element of continuity along with elements of change.

I often say that the best time to prepare for the future is before the future arrives. This policy is not about replacing engines; it is about improving lives. Cleaner air, lower running costs, new employment opportunities and a healthier Delhi—that is the transformation we are working towards.

I completely understand why many people still feel that EVs are expensive. Whenever a family plans to buy a vehicle, they do not look only at the showroom price. They ask themselves a very simple question: “Will this vehicle reduce my monthly expenses or increase them?”

That is exactly the perspective from which we have designed Delhi’s new EV policy. Our objective is not merely to encourage people to purchase EVs; our objective is to ensure that owning an EV becomes financially smarter over its entire life cycle.

Delhi is a city powered by its middle class and its hardworking professionals. It is the city of teachers, government employees, shopkeepers, delivery partners, cab drivers, auto drivers, small entrepreneurs and lakhs of young people building their careers. Every rupee matters to them. We have therefore focused on reducing the overall cost of ownership instead of looking only at the initial purchase price. The policy provides purchase incentives across different vehicle categories, registration fee exemptions, road-tax benefits and attractive scrapping incentives for eligible vehicles. Through a transparent Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, incentives will be credited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, making the process simple, efficient and free from unnecessary delays.

However, the real economic advantage begins after the vehicle is purchased. An EV costs significantly less to run than a petrol or diesel vehicle. The maintenance cost is also considerably lower because an EV has far fewer moving mechanical components than a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. For someone who drives long distances every day, these savings are reflected in the household budget every month. Whether it is a food delivery partner travelling across the city, a woman entrepreneur running her business, or an auto driver supporting a family of five, lower operating costs translate directly into higher disposable income.

Our policy is especially sensitive to the needs of Delhi’s gig economy. Today, thousands of young people earn their livelihoods through delivery services, logistics platforms and shared mobility. Their vehicles are not simply modes of transport; they are productive assets that determine their daily earnings. By reducing fuel expenses and maintenance costs, we are helping them increase their income while simultaneously contributing to cleaner air for the city.

Another important aspect is financing. As EV adoption grows, financial institutions are becoming increasingly confident about lending for EVs. Better financing options, lower running costs and government incentives together make EV ownership much more affordable than many people currently believe. As battery technology improves and manufacturing scales up, prices are expected to become even more competitive over the coming years.

I have always believed that a good environmental policy should also be a good household policy. If clean mobility helps a family save money every month, then the transition becomes voluntary rather than compulsory. That is the philosophy behind our EV policy. We are not asking Delhiites to make a sacrifice for the environment; we are offering them a cleaner, smarter and more economical choice that benefits both their family and the city.

Yes, I am confident because this transition is being built on preparation, not pressure. It is important to understand that we are not imposing an overnight change. We have deliberately adopted a phased approach that gives manufacturers, consumers, charging operators, electricity distribution companies and government agencies adequate time to prepare. A successful policy is one that creates confidence before it creates obligations, and that is precisely the approach we have followed.

Two-wheelers account for nearly two-thirds of Delhi’s registered vehicles, making them the largest segment on our roads. If Delhi wants to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, this category has to be part of the solution. At the same time, we also recognise that millions of families depend on two-wheelers for their daily commute, work and livelihood. That is why we have provided a clear roadmap instead of sudden restrictions. The proposed timeline up to 2028 gives the entire ecosystem sufficient time to mature while ensuring that citizens have multiple affordable and reliable choices before any major transition takes place.

Charging infrastructure is naturally the biggest concern for consumers, and rightly so. People do not hesitate because they doubt the technology; they hesitate because they want the confidence that charging will be convenient wherever they travel. That is why one of the strongest pillars of our policy is infrastructure development. Our vision is that charging should become as accessible as withdrawing cash from an ATM, available near homes, workplaces, Metro stations, commercial centres, markets and residential colonies.

To ensure that expansion happens efficiently, Delhi Transco has been entrusted with planning and monitoring the charging network. We are also introducing a single-window clearance mechanism to simplify approvals for charging infrastructure. New government buildings and public projects will be designed with EV readiness from the very beginning, while authorised vehicle dealerships will also be required to provide charging facilities. These measures ensure that charging infrastructure grows alongside vehicle adoption rather than struggling to catch up later.

Technology is also moving in our favour. Battery efficiency continues to improve, charging times are reducing, more vehicle models are entering the market and manufacturing costs are gradually declining. By 2028, consumers will have access to significantly better products than those available today. This is why we have chosen a future-oriented timeline. It allows innovation, industry and public infrastructure to evolve together.

Here, I would like to argue that instead of moving fast, real transformation is about moving forward with confidence. Our objective is that by the time the transition becomes mandatory, it should already feel natural to the people of Delhi.

I completely agree with that observation. Today, people are not questioning whether EVs are the future, they know they are. So from EV sceptics, people have evolved to become EV realists. The real question is whether charging will be as convenient as refuelling a conventional vehicle. As a government, we believe that confidence in charging infrastructure is just as important as confidence in the vehicle itself. In fact, the success of any EV policy will depend not only on how many vehicles are sold but also on how easily people can charge them in their everyday lives. That is why our policy gives equal importance to vehicles and infrastructure. Delhi currently has nearly 9,000 public charging points, which is among the largest charging networks in the country. However, we also recognise that this is only the beginning. As EV adoption accelerates, the city will require a much denser and more accessible charging ecosystem.

But our vision goes beyond numbers. We are not looking at charging stations as isolated pieces of infrastructure. We want charging to become part of Delhi’s daily life. Whether someone lives in Rohini or Lajpat Nagar, works in Connaught Place, studies in North Campus or runs a business in Chandni Chowk, charging should be available where people naturally spend their time. That is why we are integrating charging facilities with metro stations, commercial complexes, office districts, public parking areas, residential neighbourhoods and government buildings. The objective is simple: people should never have to plan their entire day around finding a charger. To make this possible, Delhi Transco Limited has been entrusted with planning and monitoring the charging ecosystem, while a single-window clearance mechanism will simplify approvals for charging infrastructure developers. We are also making EV readiness a part of future urban planning by ensuring that new public buildings and government projects incorporate charging infrastructure from the design stage itself. Vehicle manufacturers and authorised dealerships will also play an important role by providing charging facilities at their premises.

Technology is evolving rapidly as well. Faster charging systems, smart energy management, battery swapping and digital platforms will make charging much more efficient than it is today. Our policy has deliberately kept enough flexibility to accommodate these technological advancements so that Delhi remains future-ready rather than becoming locked into outdated systems.

People should not have to search for charging, charging should be available wherever life takes them. That is the vision behind our infrastructure strategy. We are building not just charging stations, but public confidence. Once convenience becomes a habit, adoption will follow naturally.

We have approached this policy with an open mind and after extensive consultations with industry, technical experts, environmental specialists and other stakeholders. Our decision is not based on identifying which technology can deliver the greatest environmental benefit for Delhi at this point in time.

Flex-fuel technology is certainly an important innovation, and it has its own role in India’s broader mobility landscape. However, flex-fuel vehicles still rely on internal combustion engines and continue to produce tailpipe emissions, even if those emissions are lower than conventional petrol vehicles. Delhi faces unique environmental challenges. During winter, when air quality deteriorates significantly, we need solutions that can make the maximum possible difference in reducing local emissions. Battery EVs offer zero tailpipe emissions, making them the most effective option for improving urban air quality.

At the same time, it is important to recognise that public resources are limited. Every government has to decide where financial incentives will create the greatest public benefit. Battery EVs are still in a growth phase and require policy support to accelerate adoption and infrastructure development. Flex-fuel technology, on the other hand, is evolving under a different market dynamic. Our priority has therefore been to direct public investment towards the technology that aligns most closely with Delhi’s clean air objectives.

Having said that, this policy is not rigid or closed to innovation. Technology evolves continuously, and governments must evolve with it. Whether it is hydrogen, advanced biofuels, synthetic fuels or any future clean mobility solution, we will always remain open to reviewing emerging technologies based on scientific evidence and environmental outcomes. The policy itself provides for periodic review through the appropriate institutional mechanisms so that Delhi remains responsive to technological progress.

I believe environmental policy should not become an ideological debate. It should remain evidence-based and outcome-oriented. Our responsibility is to support solutions that deliver measurable improvements in public health, environmental quality and energy security.

If tomorrow another technology can deliver equal or better environmental outcomes, any responsible government should be willing to examine it. But based on today’s realities, battery electric mobility offers the strongest pathway towards achieving Delhi's long-term clean mobility goals.

That is a fair question, and I believe people deserve an honest answer. No responsible government should claim that any single policy can eliminate Delhi’s pollution. Air pollution is a complex challenge influenced by multiple factors, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, biomass burning, seasonal weather conditions and pollution originating beyond Delhi's boundaries. Anyone who promises that one policy alone will solve the entire problem is oversimplifying a very complex issue.

However, acknowledging that complexity cannot become an excuse for inaction. Vehicular emissions remain one of the most significant contributors to Delhi’s air pollution, particularly during winter months, accounting for nearly 23 per cent of the pollution load. If we are serious about improving air quality, then reducing emissions from transport must be one of our strongest priorities. This policy is designed precisely with that objective in mind.

There is another important difference between the previous framework and the direction we are now taking. Our focus is not only on encouraging EV purchases but on building a complete ecosystem that supports large-scale adoption. We are expanding charging infrastructure from around 9,000 to nearly 32,000 public charging points, investing approximately Rs 1,000 crore in charging infrastructure, promoting battery swapping, strengthening institutional accountability, introducing transparent digital delivery of incentives and creating a roadmap for different categories of vehicles over the coming years. This integrated approach gives the policy much greater implementation strength.

We are also focusing on the segments that can create the greatest environmental impact, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, commercial fleets and last-mile delivery vehicles. These vehicles travel extensively every day, which means that electrifying them can generate disproportionately higher environmental benefits compared to categories with lower daily usage. The transition is therefore both environmentally and economically strategic.

But for me, success will not be measured only through statistics. It will be measured by everyday experiences. When parents feel more comfortable sending their children to school, when senior citizens can enjoy a morning walk with greater ease, when a delivery worker saves money every month because operating costs have reduced, that is when public policy truly succeeds.

The Bharatiya Janata Party government is clear in its mandate: clean air is not a political promise, it is a public responsibility. This policy is one important step in fulfilling that responsibility. It may not be the only solution, but it is certainly one of the most important building blocks in creating a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Delhi for future generations.

This is an extremely important question because every major technological transition brings opportunities, but it also creates genuine concerns for people whose livelihoods depend on existing systems. As a government, we cannot celebrate technological progress while ignoring those who have spent decades building their skills around conventional automobiles. Development should never leave people behind; it should take everyone along.

Delhi has thousands of small workshops, neighbourhood garages and independent mechanics who have earned the trust of families over generations. They are not just businesses; they are part of Delhi’s economic and social fabric. Whenever a family vehicle breaks down, it is often the neighbourhood mechanic who comes to the rescue. We fully recognise that EVs require a different set of technical skills. The answer, however, is not to replace these mechanics, it is to empower them with new capabilities.

That is why our EV policy places significant emphasis on skill development and capacity building. We will work closely with vehicle manufacturers, technical institutions, industry associations and skill development agencies to create structured training programmes for mechanics, technicians and service providers. These programmes will cover battery diagnostics, power electronics, electric drivetrains, charging systems, vehicle software and safety protocols. The objective is to ensure that today’s mechanics become tomorrow’s EV specialists rather than being left behind by technological change.

This transition will also create entirely new economic opportunities. As electric mobility expands, Delhi will require thousands of trained professionals for charging infrastructure, battery servicing, battery-swapping operations, fleet management, software support, recycling systems and energy management. Many of these jobs simply did not exist a few years ago. We want Delhi’s youth and existing workforce to be the first beneficiaries of these opportunities.

I also believe we should look at this transition with confidence rather than fear. Every technological revolution has created new professions while transforming existing ones. When computers became common, many feared job losses. Instead, entirely new industries emerged. The same happened with mobile technology and digital services. Electric mobility will follow a similar path, provided governments invest in people as much as they invest in technology.

We are not planning an EV revolution that benefits only manufacturers or large companies. We want local workshops, small entrepreneurs, technicians and neighbourhood businesses to become equal partners in this journey.

I often say that the strongest economy is one where no hardworking person is left behind. In fact, that is the basis for the entire philosophy of Antyodaya (rise of the last person). Our EV policy should not be reduced to transforming vehicles, the broader goal is transforming livelihoods. When Delhi moves towards cleaner mobility, we want every mechanic, every technician and every young entrepreneur to move forward with it.

This is precisely the kind of question that responsible governments must ask themselves from the very beginning. If electric mobility is part of the solution, then battery management must also be part of the solution. Otherwise, we would simply replace one environmental challenge with another. Our objective is not just to promote EVs; it is to build a truly sustainable circular economy around them.

Battery technology has evolved rapidly over the past decade, and it will continue to evolve in the years ahead. Alongside this growth, battery collection, reuse, recycling and scientific disposal must become an integral part of the EV ecosystem. That is why our policy does not treat batteries as waste; it treats them as valuable resources that should be recovered, recycled and brought back into the economic cycle wherever possible.

Our approach is based on close coordination with the Battery Waste Management Rules notified by the Government of India and the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Manufacturers and producers have an important responsibility in ensuring that batteries are collected and recycled safely at the end of their useful life.

The government's role is to create an ecosystem where this responsibility is implemented effectively through proper infrastructure, monitoring and enforcement.

We are also encouraging the development of organised battery-collection systems, authorised recycling facilities and safe handling practices. As battery-swapping networks expand across Delhi, they will naturally strengthen formal collection channels because batteries will increasingly move through organised networks rather than informal disposal systems. This reduces environmental risks while improving traceability and accountability.

Safety is equally important. Battery storage, transportation and recycling require specialised technical standards. Our government will work with industry experts, regulatory authorities and technical institutions to promote best practices and ensure that battery management remains safe for workers, consumers and the environment alike.

I believe sustainability cannot be selective. A policy that reduces air pollution but ignores waste management cannot truly be called green. We have to think about the entire life cycle, from manufacturing and usage to collection, recycling and reuse. That is the philosophy guiding our approach.

Electric mobility is not just about cleaner roads; it is about creating a cleaner ecosystem. Delhi has the opportunity to become a national model not only in EV adoption but also in responsible battery management, and that is exactly the direction in which we are moving.

I believe this concern deserves serious consideration, but I also think it is important to look at the larger picture. Environmental challenges do not recognise state boundaries, and neither should our solutions. Delhi shares its economic, social and transport ecosystem with the NCR. Every day, lakhs of people commute across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and other neighbouring cities. Therefore, clean mobility cannot be viewed through the lens of one state alone.

At the same time, I do not believe Delhi should wait for others before taking the first step. Leadership means moving ahead with conviction. Historically, Delhi has often pioneered reforms that were later adopted across the country. Whether it was the introduction of CNG in public transport, the expansion of the metro network or several digital governance initiatives, Delhi chose to lead rather than follow. Today, those decisions are regarded as milestones in urban governance.

Our EV policy has been designed with the confidence that good policies create their own momentum. If Delhi demonstrates that electric mobility leads to cleaner air, lower operating costs, better infrastructure and new economic opportunities, neighbouring states will naturally find value in adopting similar approaches. In fact, we are already seeing growing interest across India in strengthening EV ecosystems because the economics and the environmental benefits are becoming increasingly evident.

Having said that, we also recognise that coordination is essential. The Government of Delhi will continue to work closely with the Government of India, neighbouring state governments and regional institutions to promote greater harmonisation in charging infrastructure, vehicle standards and clean mobility planning across the NCR. Air pollution is a shared challenge, and collaborative solutions will always produce better outcomes than isolated efforts.

It is also important to remember that the benefits of this policy go far beyond vehicle registration numbers. Our focus is on creating a complete ecosystem: expanding charging infrastructure to nearly 32,000 public charging points, encouraging battery swapping, promoting skill development, improving affordability and making Delhi a preferred destination for green investment and innovation. These are structural reforms that strengthen Delhi’s economy irrespective of where a vehicle is registered.

I often say a good idea does not become smaller because it begins in one city. If Delhi leads with determination and delivers results, I am confident that others will join this journey. Our objective is not to compete with neighbouring states; it is to inspire a broader movement towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility across the NCR, and ultimately, across India.

This is one of the most practical challenges before us, and we have consciously designed the policy keeping Delhi’s unique urban character in mind. Unlike many other cities, a large proportion of Delhi’s population lives in apartment complexes, group housing societies, cooperative housing colonies and multi-storey residential buildings. We cannot expect every family to have an independent garage or a dedicated parking space. Therefore, the success of our EV policy depends on making charging convenient for every resident, irrespective of where they live.

Our approach is very clear. Instead of expecting every household to instal an individual charger, we are creating a model based on shared, community-based charging infrastructure. Resident welfare associations, group housing societies and housing developers will be encouraged and supported in establishing common charging facilities that can be used by all residents. This approach is not only more practical but also more cost-effective, particularly in densely populated urban neighbourhoods.

We are also working closely with electricity distribution companies to simplify the process of obtaining dedicated electricity connections for EV charging wherever required. One of the important reforms under the policy is the introduction of a single-window clearance mechanism, which will make approvals faster, simpler and more transparent. Our objective is to remove unnecessary procedural hurdles so that people can focus on adopting cleaner mobility instead of navigating paperwork.

Future urban planning is another important aspect of our strategy. We have decided that new government buildings and public infrastructure projects should be designed with EV readiness from the beginning. As Delhi continues to expand and redevelop, charging infrastructure should become a standard feature rather than an afterthought. Similarly, authorised vehicle dealerships and several commercial establishments will also contribute to expanding the city’s charging network, ensuring that residents have multiple charging options beyond their homes. Technology will also make this transition easier. Smart charging systems, digital platforms for locating available chargers, energy management solutions and battery-swapping networks will provide consumers with greater flexibility than ever before. The objective is to ensure that charging fits into people’s daily routines rather than disrupting them.

To the core of this EV debate, I believe that clean mobility must become the convenience of everyone. That is the spirit in which we have designed this policy. Our vision is that every resident of Delhi, irrespective of where they live, should have the confidence that switching to an EV is not only environmentally responsible but also practical, convenient and affordable.

When convenience meets confidence, change becomes inevitable. That is the Delhi we are building. A city that is cleaner, smarter and ready for the future.