Aiming to promote cleaner transportation for commuters, the Delhi government on Thursday approved the plan to replace the current Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric alternatives.
The decision comes as the existing Gramin Sewa vehicles are nearing the end of their 15-year lifespan and are in deteriorating condition.
Briefing on the government’s decision, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said “By replacing the old Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric ones, we are not only taking a significant step towards reducing pollution but also enhancing the travel experience for commuters. These new electric vehicles will offer greater comfort and efficiency, improving the overall quality of life for Delhi’s residents”.
-Online application: The owner of a Gramin Sewa vehicle who wishes to buy a new electric vehicle must first apply online. This process is done through a faceless platform using Aadhaar for verification. If Aadhaar is unavailable, an Enrolment ID can be used.
-No dues certificate: Once the application is submitted, the registering authority will issue a No Dues Certificate (NDC) within seven days. The authority will ensure there are no unpaid taxes, fines, or legal issues with the vehicle, and that it is clear on the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) database. If any issues are found, the owner will be notified and required to resolve them within seven days.
-Scrapping old vehicle: After receiving the NDC, the vehicle must be taken to an authorised scrapping facility within 15 days. The owner will get a Certificate of Deposit (COD) once the vehicle is scrapped.
-Buying new electric vehicle: With the NDC and COD, the owner can purchase a new electric Gramin Sewa vehicle, which can carry six passengers, from any authorised dealer.
-Registering new vehicle: After purchasing the new vehicle, the owner must apply for its registration. This process is also faceless and requires documents like the NDC, COD, Aadhaar, tax invoice, and other paperwork from the vehicle manufacturer.
-Permit renewal: The registering authority will verify all details and update the vehicle’s registration under the Gramin Sewa Scheme. The new vehicle will receive a permit for the same route as the old one.
Introduced in 2011, Gramin Sewa vehicles run on clean fuels like the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and have a seating capacity of six passengers, excluding the driver.
These vehicles primarily operate in rural areas, unauthorised and resettlement colonies, and JJ clusters. Currently, more than 2,000 Gramin Sewa vehicles are in service across Delhi.
The Delhi government’s transport department states that this decision aligns with the policy to promote electric vehicles in the capital and is expected to significantly contribute to combating pollution, furthering the city’s push towards greener mobility.
