Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, has given the green light for a landmark decision to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023, which makes it possible to regulate and license aggregators and service providers in Delhi.
The scheme will revolutionize the cab aggregator and delivery services sector in the nation’s capital. This decision has been widely anticipated and is set for official approval by the Government.
With the submission of the file to the office of the LG, the scheme aims to make it easier for commercial vehicles to switch to electric vehicles along with high standards for quality of service and public safety.
What You Need To Know About The Scheme
The proposed scheme envisages the gradual transition of commercial vehicle fleets in Delhi to electric vehicles by 2030. It will also enforce compliance and implement stringent monetary penalties for violations, ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for each instance.
By offering his stamp of approval, the Delhi CM has set an unprecedented milestone and the transfer of the commercial vehicle fleet of Aggregators, Delivery Service Providers, and E-commerce entities to Zero Emission Electric Vehicles (EVs). This program marks a landmark in the fight against pollution in Delhi.
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Delhi is the first State/UT in India and one of the few cities worldwide to mandate a time-bound transition of the commercial vehicle fleets of the Aggregators, Delivery Service Providers, and E-Commerce entities to EVs.
The EV scheme is all set to pave the way for introducing an electric bike taxi service in Delhi, to be operated by the Aggregators based on the operational guidelines set out in the program.
According to the Delhi Transport Minister, this is the first time any aggregator scheme in India has set targets for EV conversion of their fleet, which will promote green and sustainable mobility within the city.
As part of the scheme, aggregators will have permission to provide electric vehicle-only bike taxi services with operational guidelines.
The government scheme applies to aggregators, delivery service providers, and e-commerce companies that operate in Delhi NCR.
The scheme will apply to operators with a fleet of 25 or more motor vehicles and includes 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and 4-wheelers but excludes buses. It also applies to those who use digital intermediaries such as apps or web portals to connect with customers.
All new or existing operators will need a license within 90 days of the scheme announcement or before they start their operations. The licenses will be valid for five years with applicable annual fees but zero fees for electric vehicles. A 50% rebate applies to vehicles under two years of age.
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The scheme targets EV introduction into the new fleet for aggregators. For 2-wheelers, the target is 100%, while 3-wheelers must reach 10% within 6 months, 50% within 2 years, and 100% within 4 years.
Meanwhile, 4-wheelers must meet the 5% target within 6 months, a 50% target within 3 years, and a 100% target within 5 years. All aggregators, both old and new, must switch to EVs by April 1, 2030.
The scheme will establish a target for Delivery service providers to achieve 10% EV penetration in their new fleet of 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers within six months, 50% within two years, and 100% within four years.
4-wheelers must have 5% of EVs in their new fleet within 6 months, 50% within 3 years, and 100% within 5 years. All delivery service providers, old or new, must have 100% EVs in their fleet by April 1, 2030.
Let’s Wait And See!
Following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s endorsement of the proposed scheme, the proposal reached the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for further deliberation. Subsequently, the Transport Department plans to perform a review of the draft, inviting public comments and feedback, before the final version is adopted.
