‘Will launch over 1,100 e-autos,’ says DMRC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will be adding more than 1,100 e-autos to its existing fleet of electric 3-wheelers to further boost last-mile connectivity, an official said on Wednesday.

Of the 2,299 e-auto permits - 1,636 general and 663 women - allotted to the DMRC by the Transport Department, 1,183 e-autos - 857 general and 326 women - have been registered.

These e-autos are operating from around 40 DMRC stations that are equipped with charging points and dedicated parking spaces, officials said. “Another 1,116 - 779 general and 337 women - e-autos are expected to be registered by the end of August,” the DMRC official said. The DMRC has allotted these e-auto permits to its authorised operators at metro stations located in Chhatarpur, Dwarka, Rohini and northwest Delhi.

DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar said that ensuring last-mile connectivity for commuters is a key issue for the Delhi Metro.

The Delhi government recently launched a bus service to enhance last-mile connectivity which is a welcome step, he said. Talking about the e-auto service, Kumar said, buses are big in size and may not be suitable for all metro stations while e-autos are easily manoeuvrable. He said, “We are partnering with companies who will provide the e-autos and operate them as per our needs.”