The Sivasagar district administration in Assam has taken a decisive step to enhance public safety during the harsh winter months. It has imposed a strict nighttime ban on the movement of all e-rickshaws and e-carts. The restriction is effective from Wednesday, December 30, and prohibits these vehicles from operating between 7 PM and 7 AM daily.
Official Order to Prevent Winter Road Accidents
The decision was finalized by the Sivasagar District Road Safety Committee and received formal approval from District Commissioner and Committee Chairman, Aayush Garg. The primary motive behind this directive is the heightened risk of road accidents caused by dense winter fog, which severely reduces visibility during early mornings and evenings.
Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police, Subhashish Baruah, announced the order, stating it was issued for the greater public interest. "For the greater interest of public safety and the prevention of road traffic accidents during the ensuing foggy winter, plying of e-rickshaws and e-carts have been prohibited in Sivasagar district from 7pm to 7am with effect from Dec 30," SSP Baruah said. The restriction will remain in force every day throughout the winter season when fog conditions are at their peak.
Why E-Rickshaws Are at High Risk in Fog
E-rickshaws and e-carts have become immensely popular for last-mile connectivity in the region. However, their design makes them exceptionally vulnerable during low-visibility conditions. Key risk factors include:
- Lightweight construction and open structure offering minimal passenger protection.
- Inadequate lighting systems and a frequent lack of reflective markers, making them nearly invisible in dense fog.
- Lower operating speeds compared to motorized vehicles, which can make them difficult for faster-moving traffic to detect and avoid in time.
Upper Assam, including Sivasagar, experiences heavy fog during winter. Visibility often drops to dangerously low levels, creating hazardous conditions for all road users. The combination of these factors turns e-vehicles into potential accident hotspots during the specified hours.
Strict Compliance and Enforcement
The Sivasagar police have issued a clear directive to all e-rickshaw and e-cart drivers and owners to adhere strictly to the new rule. SSP Baruah emphasized that any violation of the nighttime movement ban would be dealt with seriously under the applicable traffic regulations. The administration's proactive measure is a preventive strategy aimed at safeguarding both the drivers of these vehicles and the general public.
This seasonal ban underscores the administration's focus on adapting traffic rules to address specific environmental challenges. It highlights a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable road users as electric vehicles become more prevalent in India's urban and semi-urban transport landscape.
