To improve last-mile connectivity options in areas where conventional buses cannot operate, the Delhi government is planning to introduce seven-seater electric vans on the lines of the Gramin Sewa network. The plan is at the preliminary stage and also aligns with the government’s recently notified EV Policy 2026.
Government confirms plans
As per reports by Hindustan Times, an official of the Transport Department said, “We are exploring an EV-based shared mobility model similar to Gramin Sewa for last-mile connectivity. The idea is to introduce small electric vehicles that can comfortably operate in narrow lanes while providing affordable shared transport. The vehicle specifications are yet to be finalised and stakeholders will be able to suggest suitable models.”
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Moreover, the official confirmed that the vehicles may be operated by the government or government certified operators, and on fares lower than the existing shared public transport service.
“The electrification of paratransit is an important step because these services play a vital role in urban mobility, providing first-, last-, and even main-mile connectivity in areas where conventional buses cannot operate efficiently. Introducing electric seven-seater vans can expand access to affordable transport while reducing local pollution,” said Amit Bhatt, India head of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).
Other plans regarding transport
The officials also introduced the initiative to check the rapid mushrooming of e-rickshaws across Delhi, by introducing a structured permit-based feeder service to regulate and cap the number of e-rickshaws. This would also require modifications to the existing commercial vehicle permit norms before the scheme can be implemented.
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Delhi has also been expanding its fleet of electric feeder buses under the DEVi (Delhi EV Interconnector) programme and is also planning to introduce smaller seven-metre electric buses for congested areas.
Bridging connectivity gap between residential neighbourhoods, Metro stations and major bus corridors, particularly in unauthorised colonies, village clusters and densely populated localities with narrow roads, are the main aims of the newly planned van service.
FAQs
1) What has the Delhi Government planned to introduce?
The Delhi Government has planned to introduce seven-seater electric vans to improve connectivity in congested areas.
2) What is the aim of the van service?
The aim of the van service is to bridge the connectivity gap between residential neighbourhoods, Metro stations and major bus corridors, particularly in unauthorised colonies, village clusters and densely populated localities with narrow roads.