DMRC launches e-auto service at Delhi metro stations

In the upcoming months, an e-auto service is set to be launched at Saket, Hauz Khas, and Malviya Nagar metro stations, aiming to offer last-mile connectivity for commuters. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is actively working to expand this service to additional stations. Private operators are employed by DMRC to facilitate last-mile connectivity, with designated areas for parking e-autos and dedicated pickup and drop lanes.The Delhi transport department has granted DMRC a total of 2,299 e-auto permits, comprising 663 for women and 1,636 for the general category. Six operators have been chosen to manage 1,616 permits, and fresh tenders have been issued for the remaining 683 permits.DMRC has partnered with ETO Motors, which operates 300 e-autos for women at Azadpur and Majlis Park stations, and Sun Mobility, running 138 vehicles for the general category in Dwarka. Additionally, Mahindra and Amplus have been allocated 100 e-autos (50 for women and 50 for the general category) at Saket, Hauz Khas, and Malviya Nagar stations.Three operators, namely Navnirman, Trinity Cleantech & Champion Polyplast, have been selected for 380 e-auto permits through an expression of interest (EOI), and their registrations are currently in progress. A fresh EOI has been recently issued for 683 e-autos, with 546 under the general category and 137 under the women's category.Prior to the introduction of e-autos, DMRC had implemented electric feeder buses for last-mile connectivity in the national capital. However, these buses were deemed financially unviable due to low ridership and underutilisation. Consequently, DMRC transferred 100 buses to the Delhi government earlier this year. In contrast, e-autos have proven to be a more effective option for last-mile connectivity, while buses continue to serve as a viable mode of city transport.