Delhi opens door for private EV shared taxis; Ola, Uber plan to rollout services within month

Vehicle manufacturers highlighted the need for widespread deployment of electric vehicles supported by a people-centric EV policy

• Delhi to permit private EVs as shared taxis to boost adoption, reduce pollution
• Ola and Uber to launch shared and women-driven taxi services within a month
• Govt to support charging stations, e-rickshaw integration, passenger safety

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The Delhi government has agreed in principle to allow privately owned electric vehicles to operate as shared taxis, a move aimed at boosting electric vehicle adoption and reducing congestion and pollution in the capital. The decision follows discussions between the government, automobile manufacturers and cab aggregator companies, officials said on Friday.

Aggregators to Roll Out Shared and Women-Driven Taxis

Cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, have committed to launching shared taxi services within a month. These services will also include taxis driven by women, as part of a push to make urban transport more inclusive and safer. The companies said they are prepared to onboard privately owned electric vehicles as well as BS-VI compliant vehicles, subject to amendments in existing regulations.

Rule Changes Assured, Safety Emphasised

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured the companies that the government would introduce necessary rule changes in the coming days to enable these services. She underlined that passenger safety would be non-negotiable and must be strictly enforced by aggregator platforms, a condition that companies agreed to comply with.

Shuttle Services and E-Rickshaw Integration Proposed

The chief minister suggested that aggregators explore operating shuttle services along the Ring Road and on routes connecting key locations, including the airport. She also encouraged companies to examine the feasibility of integrating e-rickshaws into their digital platforms to enhance last-mile connectivity. Pilot projects may be launched initially to assess demand and effectiveness.

Push for EV Adoption and Shared Mobility

The meeting focused on increasing the use of electric vehicles and promoting shared transport options to reduce the number of vehicles on Delhi's roads. Gupta stressed that sustainable pollution control in the city is possible only through a significant reduction in private vehicle usage and greater reliance on shared mobility solutions.

Industry Participation and Expectations

Representatives from major automobile manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda, along with aggregators including Ola, Uber and Rapido, participated in the discussions. The chief minister said the government is willing to facilitate industry requirements, resolve bottlenecks and introduce flexibility in regulations to encourage EV adoption.

At the same time, she urged companies to offer incentives and concessions that make electric mobility and shared transport more attractive to consumers.

Infrastructure, Charging and Battery Waste Management

Vehicle manufacturers highlighted the need for widespread deployment of electric vehicles supported by a people-centric EV policy. They sought concessions to strengthen charging infrastructure, noting that easier access to charging stations would accelerate adoption.

Gupta said the government is prepared to provide land for setting up charging stations, but companies must also explore solar-powered charging solutions. She added that firms would be responsible for managing battery waste to ensure that EV adoption does not create new environmental challenges.

Roadmap and Pricing Strategy Sought

The chief minister asked companies to submit detailed plans outlining timelines for meeting demand-based EV supply across Delhi. She also stressed that vehicle pricing must be structured in a way that appeals to consumers.

Reiterating the government's priorities, Gupta said the transport sector is a major contributor to pollution in the capital, and promoting electric vehicles, shared mobility, e-rickshaws, shuttle services and women-friendly taxi models will remain central to Delhi's vision of becoming a cleaner and more developed city.