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Battery Rickshaws: The Road Menace of Delhi

by Kapil Gupta

August 26, 2024 0

I’m glad to see a much needed reform in transportation law regarding the menace makers of the road The battery rickshaws.  illegal e-rickshaws in Delhi will be crushed within seven days of being seized. This comes as a much-needed response to the rampant misuse of these vehicles that has escalated over time. Just a few days ago, my own family was directly impacted when my daughter was injured in an accident involving a battery rickshaw.

This incident reminded me of my past involvement in introducing Battery Rickshaws. Years ago, I had the privilege of working on a meaningful project alongside Shakti Sustainable Trust, DIMTS (Delhi Intramodal Transit System), DDA, and the Delhi Government. Our goal was noble: to enhance Delhi’s transport system by introducing battery rickshaws or e-rickshaws. While these vehicles were a promising solution for improving last-mile connectivity, there were no established models or regulations for them in the DMV.

We strongly recommended a pilot program to explore how these rickshaws could be effectively regulated and licensed, hoping to integrate them smoothly into the fabric of Delhi’s transport network. And it did happen!

Unfortunately, the reality today starkly contrasts with our expectations. While they may be a reliable lifeline for commuters, battery rickshaws have turned into a daily nightmare on our roads. The management of these vehicles has been inadequate, leading to widespread chaos wherever they operate.

Personally, it pains me to see how a well-intentioned initiative has spiraled into a situation where safety and order are compromised. Recently, my own family experienced the consequences firsthand when my daughter was involved in an accident caused by an e-rickshaw. It was driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road, resulting in a collision with another vehicle that left her injured. This incident underscored the urgent need for stringent regulations and responsible management of battery rickshaws.

As someone who has seen the potential of battery rickshaws firsthand, it is disheartening to witness their misuse and the ensuing risks to public safety.

The Current Situation

Battery rickshaws are out of control. They go the wrong way, jump red lights, and break traffic laws constantly. This lawlessness is dangerous and leads to many accidents and even deaths. The streets of Delhi have become a battleground with these rickshaws causing havoc. Here are some of the major problems:

• Driving on the Wrong Side: Many battery rickshaws drive on the wrong side of the road, putting themselves and others at risk.
• Jumping Traffic Lights: They frequently ignore traffic signals, causing accidents and traffic jams.
• No License or Regulation: Many drivers do not have proper licenses, and the vehicles themselves are not regulated for safety.
• Unsafe Driving: Reckless driving is a common practice. They insert themselves into traffic just knowing that no one will hit them.
• Drug Use: There is no system in place to ensure that drivers are sober and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Urgent Action Needed

The current situation with battery rickshaws is unacceptable and deteriorating. They have gone from being a promising solution to a major problem on our roads. I expect many more accidents, many more injuries, and a few deaths in the coming time unless the authorities step up and take action. We need a safe, regulated system for these vehicles to prevent further chaos and danger on our roads.

Battery rickshaws can be a great addition to our transport system if they are properly managed and regulated. But until that happens, they will continue to be a menace, causing accidents and putting lives at risk. The government and police must act now to bring order to this chaos and ensure the safety of all road users.

At least 15-20% of battery rickshaws should get fined in the next 4-6 months. At least 5% of them should be taken off the roads. Probably 1% of drivers should be put in jail. Net-net, the intent is to have a system where there is some compliance with law versus total impunity.

I am extremely happy with this new law and am highly in favor of it. It’s a much-needed step in the right direction, and I hope it brings about the change we desperately need on our roads. Ensuring safety and order is paramount, and this law could be the catalyst for that transformation.