EVs to replace Gramin Sewa Fleet in Delhi
Published: Sep 20, 2024, 01:34 IST | Updated: Sep 20, 2024, 01:34 IST
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory
The government of Delhi has given its approval for a plan to replace the existing Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric alternatives, marking a significant step towards promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation in the city. This decision comes at a time when the current fleet of Gramin Sewa vehicles is approaching the end of its 15-year operational lifespan and showing signs of deterioration.
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot elaborated on this initiative during a briefing, emphasizing the government's commitment under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's leadership to enhance the sustainability and environmental friendliness of Delhi's public transportation system. Gahlot highlighted that the transition to electric Gramin Sewa vehicles would not only contribute to reducing pollution but also improve the overall travel experience for commuters. He expressed confidence that these new electric vehicles would offer greater comfort and efficiency, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Delhi's residents.
The government has outlined a comprehensive set of guidelines for the replacement process. Owners of existing Gramin Sewa vehicles who wish to upgrade to an electric version are required to initiate the process by submitting an online application. This application procedure is designed to be faceless, utilizing Aadhar for identity verification. In cases where Aadhar is not available, an enrolment ID can be used as an alternative.
Following the submission of the application, the Registering Authority is tasked with issuing a No Dues Certificate (NDC) within a seven-day timeframe. This certificate is granted after ensuring that the vehicle in question has no outstanding taxes, fines, or legal issues, and is clear of any records in the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) database. If any discrepancies are discovered during this verification process, the owner will be notified and given a seven-day window to resolve these issues.
Once the NDC is obtained, vehicle owners are required to take their old Gramin Sewa vehicle to an authorized scrapping facility within 15 days. Upon successful scrapping of the vehicle, the owner will receive a Certificate of Deposit (COD).
Armed with both the NDC and COD, owners can then proceed to purchase a new electric Gramin Sewa vehicle from any authorised dealer. These new vehicles are designed to accommodate six passengers, maintaining the carrying capacity of their predecessors.
The process doesn't end with the purchase of the new vehicle. Owners must then apply for registration of their new electric Gramin Sewa vehicle. This registration process is also designed to be faceless and requires the submission of various documents, including the NDC, COD, Aadhar, tax invoice, and additional paperwork provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
The Registering Authority will then verify all submitted details and update the vehicle's registration under the Gramin Sewa Scheme. Importantly, the new electric vehicle will be granted a permit to operate on the same route as its predecessor.
The Gramin Sewa scheme was introduced in 2011 with the aim of providing last-mile connectivity in Delhi's rural areas, unauthorised colonies, resettlement colonies, and JJ clusters. The current fleet of Gramin Sewa vehicles, which numbers over 2,000, operates on clean fuels such as CNG and can seat six passengers in addition to the driver.