Delhi's environment department is set to host an "e-vehicle parade" at Rajghat in early October to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the city with officials expecting more than 500 EVs to participate, with a registration link for interested owners to be released soon.

A senior environment department official shared that a tender for the event, with an estimated budget of Rs 5.76 lakh, has already been issued. Bids will be accepted until September 30, and the parade will take place within five days of awarding the contract.

“The primary goal is to encourage the use of EVs in Delhi and raise awareness about their advantages. We urge as many EV owners as possible to join the parade,” the official said. He added that switching to EVs will play a significant role in reducing vehicular pollution in the capital.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai, who recently resumed his duties after the cabinet reshuffle, highlighted that the government’s focus in the coming months will be on curbing air pollution. "The major challenge during winter is controlling pollution levels. We have already held meetings with 33 departments to devise strategies," Rai stated.

He further noted that the Winter Action Plan, originally scheduled for release on September 27, will now be launched on September 25 due to the Assembly session. "I will meet the chief secretary today to discuss additional measures," he added.

Rai expressed optimism that with coordinated efforts, Delhi’s pollution levels could be significantly reduced year-round, including during the winter months.

The Delhi government launched its EV Policy in August 2020, offering subsidies to EV buyers and setting a goal for 25 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in the capital to be electric by 2024.