The free run of battery-operated e-rickshaws on Delhi’s roads may eventually lead to phasing out of the cycle rickshaws from the city. While the three municipal corporations are deliberating on framing an e-rickshaw policy, they are also considering setting a deadline for all rickshaw pullers to switch to the battery-operated ones for better traffic management and regulation on roads.
Mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, Yogender Chandolia said they would encourage the cycle rickshaw operators to procure e-rickshaws as they would be made available through easy bank loans. “We are hopeful that legalising e-rickshaws will attract the cycle rickshaw pullers to convert to the battery-operated rickshaws. In due course of time, we may set a deadline for all hand-driven cycle rickshaws and carts to be taken off roads,” Chandolia said. leaders said removing the cycle rickshaws would further improve traffic flow on roads particularly in congested Old Delhi areas. Further, the slow moving rickshaws not only disrupt the vehicular flow on arterial roads but also increase the possibilities of accidents.
“It is practically very difficult to regulate cycle rickshaws in absence of a proper policy. There is no rule or law to prosecute the rickshaw pullers for traffic violations. There have been frequent accidents involving cycle rickshaws as rickshaw pullers often tend to jump red lights and drive in opposite directions,” said a senior leader.
leaders of the Corporations said they would frame a comprehensive policy for smooth operation of e-rickshaws so that the rickshaw pullers too get encouraged. This, according to them, will also go a long way in abolishing the prevalent system of carrying the weight manually as envisaged by the BJP-led Government in Centre.
“There will be one uniform policy for all non-motorised vehicles in the city. This will result in better traffic management across the Capital,” Chandolia said. The Centre, while allowing e-rickshaws to operate, had announced easy loans at the interest rate of 3 per cent for purchasing the battery-operated rickshaws. Further, no bank guarantee would be required for availing loan. Instructions in this regard have already been given to banks.