Delhi Transport Minister Advocates for Gig Workers' Shift to Electric Vehicles

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot urged gig workers to adopt electric vehicles at a Zomato and Blinkit event. He praised their contributions to the economy and highlighted the environmental benefits of EVs, while industry experts provided insights and guidance on transitioning.

Delhi Transport Minister, Kailash Gahlot, addressed a large gathering of delivery partners, popularly known as gig workers, at an event organized by Zomato and Blinkit held at Talkatora Stadium on Monday. The focus of the event was on the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) for these delivery partners, offering them critical advice on selecting the right vehicle.

Prominent industry stakeholders, including EV two-wheeler manufacturers, fleet operators, charge point providers, and financing experts, shared their knowledge and expertise with the attendees. In his speech, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot expressed heartfelt thanks to the delivery partners, referring to them as 'Pradushan Yodha'.

Minister Gahlot emphasized the gig workers' essential role in the economy, ensuring millions receive household essentials and restaurant meals quickly. He praised their dedication, stating, 'Your commitment to your work and to protecting the environment is truly inspiring. The Kejriwal government stands with you every step of the way. Together, let's make Delhi pollution-free by adopting electric vehicles.' He stressed that transitioning to EVs is not just a technological change but a vital step toward reducing city pollution. He encouraged platform partners to lead this change for a cleaner Delhi.

Additionally, Gahlot underscored the Delhi government's commitment to an environmentally conscious city under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, supporting the shift to EVs for their environmental and economic merits. He commended initiatives like EV Bazaar by Zomato and Blinkit for raising awareness among gig workers. The Minister also interacted with various electric two-wheeler OEMs and explored leasing models to ease the upfront cost of EVs for delivery partners.

Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zomato, remarked on Zomato's dedication to achieving 100% EV-based deliveries by 2030. She highlighted the success of prior EV melas and their impact, influencing around 5,000 delivery partners to switch from petrol-based bikes in FY23. The EV Bazaar aims to communicate the benefits of EVs and support in their transition effectively.

Minister Gahlot also noted the recently notified Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023, which envisions a phased transition to electric vehicles for fleets of aggregators. The scheme specifies that by April 1, 2030, the entire fleet must be electric, marking a major move towards sustainable urban mobility in the capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)