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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday defended Delhi govt\u2019s decision to stop fresh registrations of petrol-powered two-wheelers from April 2028, calling it a necessary step to meet the capital\u2019s clean air goals, while indicating that similar mandates for other vehicle categories could be considered in future based on the policy\u2019s outcomes.In an interaction with TOI following the launch of the Delhi EV Policy 2.0, Gupta said two-wheelers were prioritised because they account for a significant share of vehicular emissions. \u201cA mandate is necessary because, without one, the transition would remain too slow,\u201d she said.She defended the govt\u2019s demolition drives, and called for stricter accountability following recent building collapse and fire tragedies in the capital. Govt officials will not only face disciplinary action but could also face financial consequences, she warned.Gupta said the govt wants to create a complete EV ecosystem by expanding charging infrastructure, offering financial incentives and preparing the city\u2019s power network for the transition.She said the policy was framed after consultations with manufacturers, consumers and other stakeholders, expressing confidence that the market would offer many more EV options before the 2028 deadline.The govt has set a target of installing 32,000 public EV charging points, of which around 9,000 are already operational, while encouraging housing societies, institutions and private organisations to install chargers.To speed up approvals, it plans to launch an online single-window portal for charging infrastructure. The CM said that the govt will ask EV manufacturers to contribute towards building the charging ecosystem.<\/p>\n As per estimates, Delhi requires more than 30,000 public EV charging points to meet the current demand. How does the govt plan to address this?<\/span>When CNG was introduced, people had doubts about whether it would succeed. There is no doubt that charging infrastructure is extremely important for the success of the EV policy. If we want people to purchase electric vehicles, they must have access to adequate charging infrastructure.We have set a target of establishing 32,000 public charging points, while around 9,000 charging points are already operational. Nearly 60\u2013 70% of private vehicle owners charge their vehicles at home because they find it convenient. We have also made OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) responsible.If they are selling EVs, they must also contribute towards developing a charging ecosystem. We also want housing societies, institutions and other organisations to install charging infrastructure.To facilitate this, we are introducing an online single-window portal, which will enable people to obtain approvals without facing administrative hurdles. The growth of EVs is also opening up an entirely new sector. It will create employment opportunities.Only EV two-wheelers will be registered April 2028 onwards but there are limited electric motorcycles on offer compared to petrol models…<\/span>First, it is important to understand that this is the first policy to cover the entire EV ecosystem \u2014 from subsidies and scrappage incentives to charging infrastructure, implementation, mandates and EV waste management.A mandate is necessary because, without one, the transition to electric vehicles would remain too slow, but Delhi needs to reduce pollution within a defined timeframe. The govt is making a significant financial commitment of Rs 15,000 crore.When the govt is offering benefits worth \u20b9Rs 60,000\u201370,000 per vehicle, it is reasonable to expect people to make the transition. The restriction will come into effect only from April 2028 and will apply only to new registrations.The objective is not to ban petrol vehicles overnight, but to encourage a gradual shift to cleaner mobility.The transition to electric mobility will also increase electricity demand. Is Delhi\u2019s power infrastructure prepared for that?<\/span>Over the past year, we have prepared a scientific roadmap and strengthened Delhi\u2019s power infrastructure by upgrading substations and planning for the additional electricity demand that will come with higher EV adoption.At the same time, we are expanding solar energy through installations on govt buildings and subsidies for rooftop solar systems. Power generation, procurement and grid management are being strengthened together.Auto unions say that while the govt is offering subsidies, people are still unable to register new electric autos because of the court-mandated one lakh cap on permits. How is that being tackled?<\/span>There is still room within the existing cap. Against the permitted limit of one lakh auto-rickshaws, around 96,000 are currently registered. That means nearly 4,000 autos can still be added.We have announced 1,000 EV auto permits exclusively for women in this year\u2019s budget, and those permits are now being issued so that women can operate electric autorickshaws.Delhi is a compact city, and we have to maintain a balance. We have to consider traffic, two-wheelers, four-wheelers and e-rickshaws, and maintain the right proportion among all categories of vehicles.Illegal charging has become a major concern. There are reports of power theft and unauthorised charging points. What is the govt\u2019s plan to address this?<\/span>The departments concerned are taking cognisance of these issues and action is being taken. I believe our upcoming e-rickshaw policy will also make a significant difference.At present, in many places there are operators who own large numbers of erickshaws and rent them out, effectively controlling charging arrangements as well. Once ownership shifts to individual drivers, they will manage their own charging requirements.In NCR towns EV charging remains a challenge, especially for people living in apartment complexes where dedicated charging spaces are limited. How has the govt addressed this issue while framing the policy?<\/span>We have identified locations for charging stations and are encouraging housing societies, residential colonies and commercial establishments to install charging infrastructure. The govt is also developing EV-ready public infrastructure, including new bus depots with charging facilities.As EV adoption increases, the charging network will expand accordingly. Our objective is to ensure people can switch to EVs without inconvenience.Do you have a target for EV adoption by the end of your govt\u2019s term?<\/span>Whenever states have introduced EV policies in the past, they have generally done so with certain caps on govt support. We have deliberately avoided that approach. The govt is prepared to support as much adoption as the public is willing to embrace.Ultimately, the success of this EV policy will depend on the willingness of people to adopt it.You and members of your Cabinet also use EVs. What is your personal experience?<\/span>Within Delhi, the experience has been very good. If charging infrastructure develops across the country in a similar manner, travelling longer distances will also become much easier.People who are already using EVs tell us that there is no cheaper mode of travel. They almost feel as though they are travelling free of cost. We would also like to introduce a more advanced version of the PUC system\u2014one that is more effective and more reliable.Do you think the lack of charging infrastructure outside Delhi affects EV adoption?<\/span>At present, our focus is on Delhi because that is within our jurisdiction. However, the entire NCR is showing considerable interest in this direction. Haryana, for example, has sought details of our policy because it is interested in implementing similar measures.The centre has also introduced schemes to promote electric mobility. Just as people gradually shifted from diesel to petrol, from petrol to CNG, and are now moving from CNG to EVs.Some people argue that because EVs are cheaper to operate within Delhi, many households are buying them as a second vehicle instead of replacing their petrol vehicles. <\/span>In that sense, it could be counterproductive because the total number of vehicles on the road may actually increase…<\/span>I believe that is a positive sign. If people can afford to buy another vehicle, it reflects an improvement in their income levels. If their financial situation allows them to purchase one, they should.But what about Delhi\u2019s roadsand parking infrastructure? Can they accommodate more vehicles?<\/span>Our approach is one of holistic development and Delhi is progressing in that direction under this govt. The amount of work we are undertaking on road infrastructure is unprecedented.In just one year, we have taken up the development of roads, flyovers, foot overbridges and several other infrastructure projects on a scale that has not been seen before. We are aware that after taking over governance after so many years, people\u2019s expectations from us are very high.The centre has sanctioned a massive road infrastructure package for Delhi.Your govt has been in office for over a year, and the proposed e-waste park has not yet become operational. What is its current status? Do you think more such facilities will be required to manage EV waste in the future?<\/span>The previous govts had 15 years and 11 years respectively, but they couldn\u2019t execute this project. In just over a year, we\u2019ve had to identify and acquire land, obtain permissions and complete all the necessary procedures.A project of this scale requires approvals from many agencies, including permissions for tree cutting and clearances from multiple departments.As of now, the land at Holambi Kalan has been transferred to the department concerned, most statutory clearances have been secured, the detailed project report has been prepared and the project has entered the tendering stage.Yes, Delhi will require more such facilities in the future.Why did the govt choose to mandate only two-wheelers and not cars?<\/span>If we look at vehicular emissions, two-wheelers are a major contributor, which is why it was necessary to focus on them first. We will evaluate the results of this policy.Depending on need and outcomes, similar measures for other categories of vehicles may also be considered. For now, we have provided adequate time for this transition.Inadequate safety protocols for cab users and drivers has become an issue. There are frequent reports of harassment involving passengers, especially women. Is the govt planning any measures?<\/span>We are preparing to launch an app (Safe Delhi) for women\u2019s safety with the Delhi police which will drastically reduce emergency response time.It will have features like voice-activated triggers, GPS tracking and live audio-video streaming to connect users directly to the police control room in under a second.Monsoon has arrived in Delhi. Every year we see roads getting flooded and severe waterlogging. What preparations has your govt made this time?<\/span>Last year, we carried out desilting of drains on a massive scale, and this year too, nearly three lakh metric tonnes of silt have been removed. Desilting has always been a key measure to prevent waterlogging.The next step is strengthening Delhi\u2019s drainage infrastructure. Last year, we launched the Delhi Drainage Master Plan. Delhi simply did not have a comprehensive drainage system, and nearly half the city wasn\u2019t connected to an effective network.Areas such as Kirari and Burari, which frequently suffered from flooding due to sewage and drain overflow, lacked proper drainage facilities. We expect this year\u2019s performance to be better than last year\u2019s and next year\u2019s to improve even further.Within a week there was a major building collapse in Saidulajab followed by a fire in a hotel in Hauz Rani. You were associated with the MCD for a long time and understand how it functions. What was the biggest lapse in these two incidents?<\/span>The first was administrative negligence. Compliance with building and safety regulations must be strictly enforced at the time a building or guest house is constructed. The second was human greed.People often compromise structural safety for personal gain. In the building collapse case, the structure was originally designed for two-and-a-half storeys, but two additional floors were added without ensuring that the foundation could bear the extra load.That ultimately led to the collapse. In the Hauz Rani fire, rooms were being operated in the basement.After the fire broke out, the main circuit breaker was switched off, trapping people inside. The staircases were not functional, the lift stopped working, and those in the basement had no way to escape.The govt is taking a strict approach, but there must also be a change in people\u2019s mindset. Greed cannot come at the cost of public safety.At the same time, govt officials must know that if any lapse occurs during their tenure, they will not only face disciplinary action but could also be held financially accountable for the consequences.One issue over which your govt has faced criticism is demolition drives in several slum settlements and unauthorized colonies…<\/span>On one hand, the govt is questioned about building collapses and waterlogging. On the other, when action is taken against illegal properties, unauthorised constructions or jhuggis built over drains, there is criticism.You raised the issue of waterlogging. If jhuggis have come up over drains and the court has ordered their removal, shouldn\u2019t that happen? If people have been living illegally on the Yamuna floodplain for years and the court directs action, should the govt ignore those orders? Our responsibility is to act in the larger interest of Delhi.Whatever is in the city\u2019s best interest, and whatever is legally and administratively correct, is what we must do. You should also acknowledge that your chief minister is courageous, fearless, and capable of taking difficult decisions.<\/div>\n\u2018Public Support Key To EV Policy Success\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n