The routes for operation of battery-operated three-wheelers or e-rickshaws as commercial passenger vehicles have been chalked out by the authority for Dehradun, Rishikesh and Sahaspur. However, the decision on routes for e-rickshaws in Haridwar could not be taken due to the model code of conduct being implemented in view of the three-tier panchayat election in the rural areas of Haridwar. This was stated at a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) chaired by its chairman and Garhwal commissioner CS Napalchyal in Dehradun on Tuesday.
Napalchyal informed that a survey has been conducted for planning the e-rickshaw routes in Dehradun city, Sahaspur, Rishikesh and Haridwar. He further informed that nine routes had been marked in Dehradun, two in Rishikesh and 14 in Sahaspur. He informed that e-rickshaws will be registered as commercial vehicles and e-rickshaw permit will be issued only if the owner of the vehicle is driving it.
Representatives of various unions opposing the operation of e-rickshaw including the Doon Auto Rickshaw Union, Vikram Jankalyan Seva Samiti, Devbhoomi Rishikesh Auto Rickshaw Association and those supporting the operation of e-rickshaws- Ma Bhagirathi Battery Rickshaw Drivers Association, Haridwar, were also given the opportunity to state their positions on the issue. The union representatives were assured by Napalchyal that the e-rickshaw routes have been decided keeping in mind the interests of all concerned.