The Delhi government is likely to launch the e-Bike “Didi scheme” in the coming months, in a move to promote women’s empowerment, ensure women’s safety and reduce air pollution in the national capital. However, according to officials, the proposal is currently under consideration, as reported by the PTI news agency. Younger women bikers who are residents of Delhi will be considered for the scheme once it is rolled out, officials added.
The e-Bike Didi scheme will replicate the e-Bike services of major private players such as Ola and Rapido, involving online booking and digital payments.
How Will it Benefit Women Commuters?
Under the proposed scheme, women bikers will offer rides to female tourists on electric two-wheelers, covering major historical landmarks, metro stations across the Delhi-NCR, and bus stops across the city, a senior Delhi government official said.
The scheme, which is also aimed at ensuring women’s safety, is being discussed with concerned departments, including Tourism, Transport, and Women and Child Development, the official added.
Tie-Up With Bharat Taxi
The government is considering a tie-up with ride-hailing platforms, particularly the newly launched Bharat Taxi service, for the implementation of the scheme. Recently, the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) signed an agreement (MoU) with Bharat Taxi for cooperative cab services in the national capital, the official said.
Moreover, modalities of the scheme are still being discussed to ensure competitive pricing, women’s safety, designated routes, and a viable financial model that would allow it to co-exist alongside private players, the officials said.
The proposed scheme may also provide financial support to women riders, including subsidies for purchasing e-Bikes and other incentives, they added.
A pilot of the scheme is expected to be launched after approval to assess its viability. The scheme could be implemented in phases, covering different routes and increasing the number of women riders, officials further said.
