Delhi Announces All-Electric Public Transport Fleet By 2026 Under New EV Policy

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has revealed plans for a new Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, setting an ambitious timeline to convert the capital's entire public transportation system to electric power by late 2026, news agency PTI has reported. The announcement came during a gathering hosted by The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), where Gupta outlined the administration's comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility. 

The new EV policy framework intends to establish Delhi as a leading market for EV adoption across India.

Traffic Safety Concerns

During her address, the Chief Minister drew attention to persistent road safety challenges, placing accountability squarely on motorists rather than vehicles themselves.

"Accidents happen every minute, every hour. Vehicles are not to blame; it is the drivers. We need to change the Indian mindset. Many take pride in not wearing seat belts. There must be stricter enforcement of traffic rules. If you fear breaking traffic laws abroad, you should not be allowed to break them here," she was quoted as saying by PTI.

Gupta encouraged citizens to follow traffic regulations as a personal safety measure rather than mere governmental obligation.

"We can give you an excellent market so that you can bring a variety of EVs to Delhi for people to buy them. By 2026, we will move to an all-electric fleet in our public transport. Every third vehicle in Delhi should be electric. We are in discussions with stakeholders and developing a model Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0. We have one target -- to improve Delhi's air quality," she added.

Policy Timeline

The current Electric Vehicle initiative has been extended through March 31, 2026, allowing time for comprehensive public consultation on the proposed policy revisions. The original framework, launched in 2020 under the previous Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party administration, expired in August 2023 and has undergone multiple extensions since that time.