India, July 13 -- From defending Delhi's ambitious electric vehicle transition to outlining plans for women's financial empowerment, women safety, tackling traffic congestion and addressing civic issues, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her government is focusing on implementation as much as policy. In a conversation with Millennium Post, Gupta said every major initiative announced by the government is being backed by infrastructure, technology and administrative preparedness to ensure timely execution. Responding to criticism over whether Delhi has the infrastructure to support its recently notified EV Policy, the Chief Minister said the government has already begun expanding the ecosystem required for a smooth transition. Also Read - Vinod Nagar: Constable shoots wife dead on her birthday, flees "Some people have raised concerns about whether Delhi has adequate infrastructure to support the EV Policy. We are addressing every requirement alongside its implementation, whether it is charging stations, power supply or any other supporting infrastructure," Gupta said. She said Delhi already has around 9,000 EV charging points, with a target to expand the network to nearly 32,000. "We are working with DISCOMs, RWAs, commercial establishments and private partners to ensure charging facilities are available across residential colonies, offices, markets, parking areas and public spaces. Our objective is to make EV charging easily accessible throughout the city," she said. Also Read - Four minors feared drowned in Yamuna Calling it a comprehensive mobility roadmap, Gupta added, "This policy is not just about subsidies; it creates a complete ecosystem by promoting infrastructure, supporting manufacturers, attracting investment and generating employment." Addressing concerns over women's safety, Gupta said the government continues to work closely with the Delhi Police while strengthening long-term support systems for women. "Women's safety remains one of our highest priorities. The Delhi Government and Delhi Police remain in constant coordination, and whenever an incident is reported, we ensure that immediate action is taken," she said. Highlighting initiatives such as the Saheli Pink NCMC Card, Gupta said the government was making public transport safer and more convenient for women while also expanding women-centric healthcare, social infrastructure and awareness campaigns to encourage reporting of crimes. Also Read - Akasa suspends two Jewar routes Speaking about the government's proposed Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women will receive Rs.2,500 every month, Gupta said the initiative aims to strengthen women's financial independence and household security. "Financial empowerment of women strengthens not just individual households but also contributes to the overall development of society. Through the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, we want to ensure that every eligible woman has a dependable source of financial support. The scheme will be implemented in a transparent manner, and beneficiaries will start receiving assistance once the registration and verification process is completed" she said. Also Read - Honking spat leaves 1 dead in Ghaziabad The Chief Minister added that this scheme would be implemented with "complete transparency and accountability" and that eligible beneficiaries would begin receiving financial assistance after the registration and verification process is completed. On improvement in waterlogging and development works in areas such as Tughlakabad, Gupta said the government has directed elected representatives and officials to ensure effective utilisation of funds. "Every MLA and the concerned departments have been directed to utilise the funds allocated to them effectively. Development work cannot remain pending, and issues such as waterlogging and inadequate civic infrastructure must be resolved within the prescribed timelines," she said. On Delhi's traffic congestion, Gupta said the issue requires multiple interventions rather than a single solution. "Traffic congestion cannot be solved through a single measure. We have already initiated work on several projects, and two to three major initiatives are in the pipeline that will help ease congestion. Our approach includes expanding electric public transport, promoting shared mobility, improving last-mile connectivity, strengthening traffic management systems and accelerating infrastructure projects to eliminate bottlenecks. A world-class capital cannot spend its future waiting at traffic signals," Gupta said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.