The green and yellow CNG autorickshaws commonly seen on Delhi’s roads may soon disappear. Under its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, the Delhi government plans to phase out CNG autos and replace them with electric ones. Currently, about one lakh autorickshaws operate in the city. According to government sources, the upcoming EV Policy 2.0 will stop registration of CNG autos starting August 15, and permits will only be issued or renewed for electric vehicles.
This move, however, is not finalized yet. Registration of diesel, petrol, and CNG-run cargo three-wheelers will also be halted from August 15. A draft of the policy indicates that no permits will be granted for petrol, diesel, or CNG two-wheelers from August 2026. But because there are so many two-wheelers in Delhi, this regulation may not be added to the final policy to prevent transport disruption. Nevertheless, officials are highlighting the necessity to transition every segment of public transport to EVs.
The existing EV policy, which lapsed on March 31, has been extended by 15 days—perhaps for the last time. The government aims to phase out petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles in favor of EVs. Civic bodies such as MCD, NDMC, and DJB will have to transition their garbage collection fleets to 100% electric by December 2027.
The transport ministry also ordered a study on how to convert government trucks into EVs. Under the DTC and cluster schemes for city operation, only electric buses will be bought. Only EVs shall be permitted as a third or additional vehicle at one residential location, the draft suggests.
