Delhi Government to Formulate Comprehensive E-Rickshaw Regulation Policy
In a significant move to address growing concerns over urban mobility, the Delhi government is set to frame a comprehensive policy to regulate e-rickshaws. This mode of transport has experienced rapid growth across the city's neighborhoods but has remained largely unregulated, prompting calls for systematic oversight.
Minister Announces Policy Development
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed to TOI on Monday that officials have been directed to draft the new policy. The primary objective is to ensure the protection of livelihoods for those dependent on e-rickshaws, while simultaneously addressing critical issues of passenger safety and the safety of other road users.
"Once the draft is finalized, it will be placed in the public domain to seek feedback from all stakeholders so that a balanced and workable framework can be evolved," Singh stated, emphasizing the inclusive approach to policy formulation.
Addressing Safety and Operational Concerns
The initiative follows a TOI report highlighting concerns raised by several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) regarding the unchecked proliferation of e-rickshaws. Key safety hazards identified include:
- Underage driving
- Unregistered vehicles operating without proper documentation
- Haphazard parking causing traffic disruptions
- Lack of licenses and uniforms among operators
- Makeshift charging practices linked to past fire incidents
According to government estimates, Delhi currently has over 2 lakh registered passenger e-rickshaws, with an unknown additional number operating without registration. The city now has more than twice the number of active e-rickshaws compared to autorickshaws, indicating a dramatic shift in last-mile mobility patterns.
Policy Framework and Stakeholder Involvement
The first meeting for drafting the policy will be held later this month. Officials confirmed that inputs from multiple stakeholders will be incorporated during the drafting process, including:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
- E-rickshaw operator representatives
- Market associations
- Citizens and commuters
- Transport department officials
- Police authorities
Minister Singh clarified that the policy will include provisions to allow unregistered e-rickshaws to obtain proper registration. "The rules and norms for this will be included in the draft policy," he added, signaling a pathway toward formalization of the sector.
Geographical Distribution and Urban Impact
The distribution of e-rickshaws across Delhi reveals significant geographical disparities. Current registration data shows:
- Rohini leads with 46,150 active e-rickshaws
- Wazirpur follows with 30,252 registered vehicles
- Loni Road has 28,858 e-rickshaws in operation
Together, these three zones account for over half of Delhi's registered e-rickshaw fleet, reflecting heavy reliance on this transport mode in north and east Delhi. In contrast, Vasant Vihar has only 234 e-rickshaws, while south Delhi records 7,806 and Mall Road has 8,184.
Over the years, e-rickshaws have become a crucial last-mile transportation option in many areas, particularly serving women, senior citizens, and students where gaps exist in government-run public transport systems.
Expected Policy Components
Officials indicated that the draft policy is expected to outline a comprehensive framework addressing multiple aspects of e-rickshaw operations:
- Vehicle registration procedures and requirements
- Driver regulation including licensing and training
- Provisions for passenger safety standards
- Parking regulations and designated areas
- Charging infrastructure development and safety protocols
The policy development represents a critical step toward balancing the economic benefits of e-rickshaw employment with the need for safer, more organized urban transportation in India's capital city.
