As part of its sustainable solution to traffic woes in the Capital, the BJP is planning to remove cycle rickshaws from city roads, if it is voted to power. The plan is a major focus of BJP’s manifesto for Delhi Assembly polls. A member of the manifesto committee said the existing cycle rickshaws in the Capital would be replaced by battery-operated vehicles and a policy would be framed for regulating these e-rickshaws. The BJP would be releasing its manifesto on November 22.
According to the draft of the manifesto accessed by The Pioneer, improving traffic situation in the Capital, besides good governance, would be the prime focus of the BJP if it comes to power. “We will replace existing cycle rickshaws with battery-operated ones. This will be a major step in decongesting roads. To implement the plan, the BJP will also formulate a policy to regulate operation of e-rickshaws,” said the leader. He said the party has also received suggestions for removing cycle rickshaws from various sections of the society as they led to traffic chaos on roads, particularly busy market places.
“Slow moving cycle rickshaws often slow down vehicular movement. Further, illegal parking eats into the parking space and aggravate the situation. Once replaced with e-rickshaws, the Government will monitor their movement. The routes of operation for these battery-operated vehicles will be finalised and designated spots will be identified for parking,” he said, elaborating on the proposed modality.
A senior BJP leader said it was unjust to always blame police for lack of enforcement or traffic mismanagement. “Proper traffic management and policies can certainly improve the situation. At present there is no policy to regulate operation of cycle rickshaws owing to the ban imposed by Supreme Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP has already promised, including reduction of power tariff by 30 per cent, full Statehood to the national Capital, preference to Delhi students for admission in Delhi University, rehabilitation of slums, permanent regularisation of unauthorised colonies and development of Delhi villages in its manifesto.