New electric taxi service flagged off from Delhi Secretariat
New Delhi, June 5
As part of the Rekha Gupta government's efforts to develop a green and pollution-free city, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Friday flagged off a new app-based electric taxi service in Delhi-National Capital Region from the Delhi Secretariat.
"Today, 1,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) taxis were launched across Delhi-NCR, along with a new app. The EV taxi service is planned to expand to 10,000 vehicles in Delhi-NCR within one year," an official statement said.
Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, and Pham Sanh Chau, Vingroup Asia CEO, were present on the occasion.
Green SM is a Vietnam-based company and has launched a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The company has made a significant investment in India through the foreign direct investment (FDI) route as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sirsa said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is committed to promoting green initiatives that help reduce pollution and improve the quality of life of citizens."
"Whether it is large-scale plantation drives, cleaner technologies or the adoption of electric mobility, every step contributes towards building a healthier Delhi. The launch of this taxi service is another important milestone in this direction," he added.
Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "On the occasion of World Environment Day, the launch of this electric vehicle initiative from the Delhi Secretariat reflects our commitment to making Delhi cleaner, greener and pollution-free."
"Electric mobility is a key pillar of Delhi's vision for sustainable urban transport and aligns with the objectives of the Delhi EV Policy to accelerate the adoption of clean mobility solutions, reduce vehicular emissions, and improve air quality," he added.
"Every step towards electrification is a step towards a healthier environment and a better quality of life for our citizens. The Delhi Government remains committed to promoting sustainable transportation and building a future-ready, environmentally responsible capital," he said.
Minister Sirsa said, "These vehicles are a shining example of the 'Make in India' initiative and strengthen the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Manufactured in India, they showcase the country's growing manufacturing strength and technological prowess while creating a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem."
The cabs are equipped with advanced safety technologies, including AI-assisted interior and exterior cameras, real-time monitoring systems, and emergency SOS buttons for both drivers and passengers.
"Each vehicle features dedicated cameras monitoring the road, the driver and the passenger compartments, enhancing overall safety and accountability. A special focus has also been placed on women's safety and empowerment. The company plans to increase the participation of women drivers in its operations," Minister Sirsa added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see a Vietnamese company entering the Indian EV taxi space. With the 'Make in India' manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, this could create jobs too. The AI cameras and SOS buttons for women's safety are a big plus - Delhi needs that. Let's see how the app works and if it can compete with Ola and Uber. Competition is good for consumers.
A good initiative but I have some reservations. The ministers are talking about women drivers and safety, but what about the existing auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers? Their livelihoods will be affected. Also, the electricity in Delhi mostly comes from coal plants - so how green is this really? We need a holistic approach, not just photo opportunities at the Secretariat. 🙄
As a woman who travels frequently in Delhi, I welcome any initiative that focuses on safety. The SOS buttons and cameras inside the cab are very reassuring. But the real test will be if these features actually work when needed. Also, please ensure the app has good customer support in Hindi too - not everyone is comfortable with English. 🚺
World Environment Day pe launch - nice timing! But I wonder about the practical aspects. Will these EVs have enough range for long trips within NCR? What happens when the battery runs out - are there enough charging stations? The government should also offer subsidies for regular people to buy EVs, not just for taxi companies. Common man should also benefit.
Good to see the Delhi government taking concrete steps. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'
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