Bike taxi operators fear new Delhi policy will double vehicle cost

In a move aimed at controlling pollution and ensuring passenger safety, the Delhi government last week approved the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme 2023. Under this policy, all bike taxis will have to be electric from the day the policy is enforced, and all delivery service providers will have to transition within four years.

Though the main goal of the policy is to curtail air pollution by promoting electric vehicles (EVs), there are some apprehensions. Bike taxi drivers say the policy will penalise people from lower income groups. “We cannot afford electric two-wheelers, which cost more