With an increase in the number of e-rickshaws, the Transport Department has decided to set up infrastructure, including creating sub-stations for charging the vehicles. The department will identify locations in East and West Delhi for setting up such charging stations for the electronic vehicles.
For preparing the detailed project report, the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has been roped in. It has been asked to provide a feasibility report of the current status of e-rickshaws in Delhi and making recommendations on the measures necessary to improve and rationalise their operations as a part of public transport.
Senior officials of the State Transport Department, however, added they are framing a policy in order to have a clear regulatory framework for their operations, as Delhi has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of e-cycle rickshaws for past two years and are not registered with the department. According to the department, around 200 e-rickshaws ply without registration in the heart of Delhi.
Although e-rickshaws are plying in the city, there were very few stations in the Capital and so it has become difficult for e-rickshaws to take to the sub stations for charging. A preliminary study conducted by TERI highlighted that non-availability of setting up infrastructure i.e. setting up of substations for charging the e-vehicles remains a key barrier for the promotion of e-mobility.
They pointed out that lack of standardisation of charging infrastructure and no policy for the promotion of setting up infrastructure for charging the e-vehicles in Delhi are the key reasons behind the delay in not having a proper policy for e-vehicles.