Delhi may be on the verge of one of its most disruptive transport reforms in years. In January 2026, the Delhi government granted in-principle approval to allow privately owned electric EV and BS-VI compliant cars to operate as shared taxis, marking a significant shift in how the capital plans to tackle pollution, congestion, and mobility inefficiencies.
Led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the move is designed to reduce the sheer number of vehicles on Delhi’s roads by encouraging shared usage instead of private ownership—a structural change rather than a temporary fix.
What Has Been Approved and What Changes Next
Under the proposed policy, white-plate personal vehicles will be legally permitted to function as shared taxis through registered ride-hailing platforms once transport rules are formally amended. The government has indicated that these regulatory changes will be notified in the coming days.
Major aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido have already committed to launching shared taxi services within one month of the notification. This signals strong industry alignment with the government’s broader clean-mobility vision.
The emphasis is not on replacing existing cabs, but on increasing vehicle occupancy, ensuring fewer cars carry more people.
Focus on Shared Rides and Safety
A key pillar of the policy is shared mobility. By pushing carpool-style services, the government aims to cut down traffic volume while keeping fares affordable enough to attract everyday commuters.
Safety has also been positioned as a core priority. Aggregators have pledged to introduce women-driven cab services, addressing both passenger safety concerns and employment generation for women in the mobility sector.
This dual approach—efficiency plus inclusion—strengthens the political and social appeal of the policy.
Charging Infrastructure and Environmental Safeguards
To support the transition, the Delhi government has offered to allocate land for EV charging stations, while also encouraging companies to explore solar-powered charging solutions.
At the same time, the policy places responsibility squarely on aggregators for battery waste management, ensuring that the shift to electric mobility does not create secondary environmental hazards.
The Chief Minister has also stressed that pricing must remain attractive. Without competitive fares, the policy risks failing to convince citizens to shift away from private car ownership.
Additional Mobility Experiments on the Table
Beyond shared taxis, the government has proposed shuttle services along the Ring Road and on airport-connected routes, targeting high-density corridors.
Another notable suggestion is the integration of e-rickshaws into digital aggregator platforms, which could significantly strengthen last-mile connectivity and formalise a largely informal sector.
Why This Matters
If implemented effectively, this policy could reshape Delhi’s transport ecosystem—blurring the line between private and public mobility, reducing emissions, and creating a scalable model that other Indian cities may soon follow.
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