Delhi is witnessing a significant transformation in its mobility sector with multiple government and private initiatives aimed at empowering women drivers. Following the collapse of BluSmart’s “Sakhi Programme” in April 2025, which left approximately 200 trained women drivers without work, the government has stepped in with comprehensive schemes to create sustainable opportunities for women in the transport sector . The need for such initiatives became starkly clear when women drivers, who had found financial independence and dignity through driving, were left struggling after the shutdown .
The Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has prioritized women’s participation in the mobility sector through various schemes including the DURGA e-auto scheme, the eBike Didi Yojana, and collaborations with cooperative platforms like Bharat Taxi . These initiatives are complemented by national-level policy changes, including new Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines that allow passengers to choose same-gender drivers, creating a favorable environment for women drivers .
Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana HP 2026: Rs 2 Lakh for Single Girl Child, Eligibility & Apply
Scheme Overview and Key Statistics
Overview Table:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Initiatives | DURGA e-Auto Scheme, eBike Didi Yojana, Bharat Taxi Mahila Sarathi, SheRyds, Women Special Buses |
| Implementing Bodies | Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation, DMRC |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women and Transgender persons |
| Total E-Auto Permits (DURGA) | 1,100 (1,000 women + 100 transgender) |
| Bharat Taxi Women Target (2030) | 15,000 women drivers |
| Women Special Buses | 30 buses (being expanded) |
| SheRyds Stations | 12 metro stations (expanding to 100+) |
| Official Portal | transport.delhi.gov.in |
Key Benefits Table:
| Initiative | Benefits |
|---|---|
| DURGA E-Auto Scheme | Free e-auto permits, pink autos, distinct ID cards, caps, jackets |
| Bharat Taxi Mahila Sarathi | 0% commission, free training, co-ownership |
| eBike Didi Yojana | Last-mile service, subsidies for e-bikes, women-only passengers |
| SheRyds | Female drivers for women passengers, GPS tracking |
| Women Special Buses | All-women staff (drivers, conductors, marshals), panic buttons |
Key Takeaway: Delhi’s comprehensive approach combines employment opportunities with safety measures, including panic buttons linked to police emergency response systems and dedicated women-only services .
DURGA E-Auto Scheme (Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto)
Overview
The DURGA scheme, announced in the 2026 budget by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is a flagship initiative providing e-auto permits to 1,000 women and 100 transgender persons in Delhi . The scheme aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while promoting green mobility.
Eligibility Criteria:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 20 to 40 years |
| Income | Family income up to ₹5 lakh per annum |
| Residency | Must be a Delhi resident |
| Vehicle Ownership | Family should not own a three-wheeler |
| Children (Married Women) | Children should be below 18 years |
| Per Family | Only one woman per family is eligible |
Key Features:
- Pink Autos: Vehicles will be pink in color for easy identification .
- Distinct Identity: Drivers will have distinct ID cards, caps, and jackets .
- Lock-in Period: Three-year lock-in period; ownership can only be transferred to a woman or transgender person after that .
- Safety Measures: Women’s helpline number and emergency contacts displayed prominently on autos .
- Charging Infrastructure: DMRC and NCRTC to provide charging points; MCD to designate parking spots .
Bharat Taxi Mahila Sarathi Programme
Overview
Bharat Taxi, the world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform launched by the Ministry of Cooperation, has a dedicated “Mahila Sarathi” or “Bike Didi” programme to promote women’s participation in the taxi ecosystem .
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission | 0% commission (100% of earnings go to drivers) |
| Surge Pricing | None (regulated fares) |
| Driver Status | Co-owner and shareholder |
| Daily Access Fee | Rs 30 flat fee |
| Women Drivers Currently | 150+ women already joined |
| Target (2030) | 15,000 women drivers |
Benefits for Women Drivers:
- Free Training: Starting November 15, 2025 .
- Special Insurance: Provided to women drivers .
- Co-ownership: Drivers can become co-owners by purchasing cooperative shares starting at Rs 500 for five shares .
- No Exclusivity: No exclusivity clauses, allowing drivers to work with multiple platforms .
eBike Didi Yojana
Overview
The eBike Didi Yojana is a proposed initiative under which trained women riders will ferry women tourists on electric two-wheelers, providing safe, affordable, and eco-friendly last-mile transport .
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Electric two-wheeler taxi for women tourists |
| Passenger Restriction | Only women passengers can avail the service |
| Booking Platform | Through Bharat Taxi app |
| Implementing Body | DTTDC in partnership with Bharat Taxi |
Eligibility for Riders:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 40 years |
| Residency | Must be a Delhi resident |
| Driving Licence | Must possess a valid driving licence |
| Support | Subsidies/financial help for e-bikes under consideration |
SheRyds – Delhi Metro Bike Taxi Service
Overview
Delhi Metro launched ‘SheRyds’ in November 2024, a bike taxi service exclusively for women passengers with female drivers . This service is available through the DMRC Momentum app.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Passengers | Women only |
| Drivers | Women only |
| Booking | Through DMRC Momentum app (Delhi Sarathi 2.0) |
| GPS Tracking | Enabled for safety |
| Service Hours | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Fare | Starts at Rs 10 + Rs 10/km (first 2 km), Rs 8/km thereafter |
Service Expansion:
- Phase 1: 12 metro stations
- Phase 2: 100+ metro stations within a month
- Phase 3: All 250 metro stations
Women Special Buses
Overview
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is transitioning women special buses to be fully operated by women staff, including drivers, conductors, and marshals .
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Buses | 30 women special buses (being expanded) |
| Staff | All-women: drivers, conductors, police marshals |
| Panic Button | Connected directly to Delhi Police 112 emergency system |
| Police Presence | Women police personnel on high-footfall routes |
Central Government Policy Support
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has amended the Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, to support women’s participation in the taxi ecosystem .
Key Amendments:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Same-Gender Driver Choice | Users can choose same-gender drivers where available |
| Women Passenger Option | Women passengers can specifically opt for women drivers |
| Voluntary Tipping | 100% of tip amount must go to the driver; no commission deducted |
Lessons from BluSmart’s Sakhi Programme
The collapse of BluSmart’s “Sakhi Programme” in April 2025 serves as a cautionary tale. Approximately 200 women were trained, but only about half are still driving . Key issues included:
- Job Insecurity: Women were gig workers, not employees, with no social benefits .
- Legal Gaps: Limited legal recourse for gig workers .
- Driver Feedback: “No company wants female drivers. BluSmart was the only one.”
Important Links and Official Resources
| Resource | Link/Description |
|---|---|
| Delhi Transport Department | transport.delhi.gov.in |
| Bharat Taxi Driver App | Google Play Store (OTP-based registration) |
| DMRC Momentum App | For SheRyds booking |
| Delhi Police Emergency | 112 (Panic button linked) |
Document Checklist:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Valid Driving Licence | Mandatory for all drivers |
| Residence Proof | Delhi residency verification |
| PAN Card | For co-ownership registration |
| RC and Insurance | Vehicle documents |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What schemes are available for women drivers in Delhi?
Delhi offers multiple schemes including the DURGA e-Auto Scheme for e-auto permits, Bharat Taxi Mahila Sarathi programme for cab drivers, eBike Didi Yojana for two-wheeler taxis, SheRyds for metro bike taxis, and Women Special Bus driver positions .
Who is eligible for the DURGA e-Auto Scheme?
Women and transgender persons aged 20-40 with family income up to ₹5 lakh, who do not own a three-wheeler, are eligible. Only one woman per family can get a permit .
What is the Bharat Taxi Mahila Sarathi Programme?
It is a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform where women drivers earn 100% of ride earnings with 0% commission. Over 150 women have already joined, with a target of 15,000 by 2030 .
How can I apply for the eBike Didi Yojana?
The scheme is currently at the consultation stage. Once approved, women aged 18-40 with a valid driving licence and Delhi residency can apply. Subsidies for e-bikes are under consideration .
What is SheRyds and how does it work?
SheRyds is a Delhi Metro bike taxi service for women passengers with women drivers. Book through the DMRC Momentum app, available at 12 metro stations with GPS tracking for safety .
Are women special buses completely run by women?
Yes, DTC is transitioning women special buses to be fully operated by women staff including drivers, conductors, and police marshals. These buses have panic buttons directly connected to Delhi Police 112 .
What was the BluSmart Sakhi Programme?
It was a training and employment initiative for women drivers that collapsed in April 2025. Approximately 200 women were trained, but after the shutdown, many are now struggling to find work as other companies don’t hire women drivers .
What is the 0% commission model?
Under Bharat Taxi, drivers earn 100% of ride earnings with no commission deducted. Drivers pay only a nominal daily access fee of Rs 30, compared to 20-30% commission on other platforms .
Are there safety measures for women drivers?
Yes, including panic buttons linked to police, distinct ID cards and uniforms, women’s helpline numbers displayed on vehicles, and the option for women passengers to choose women drivers .
How can I register as a driver with Bharat Taxi?
Download the Bharat Taxi Driver app from Google Play Store, register using OTP, and submit required documents. You can also purchase cooperative shares starting at Rs 500 to become a co-owner .