Delhi Govt Announces Scrapping of Unregistered E-Rickshaws to Tackle Congestion

The Delhi government's Transport Department will soon begin scrapping unregistered e-rickshaws that have been impounded, officials announced on Friday. These vehicles will be crushed using a roller before being handed over to a scrapper.

Owners of unregistered e-rickshaws will be given a week to get their vehicles registered. If they fail to do so, their e-rickshaws will be impounded and sent to a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility. "Before being scrapped, they will be crushed using a cutter and crusher," stated a senior official.

High-Level Review Meeting

The decision follows a high-level review meeting led by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) aimed at decongesting the city. During this meeting, instructions were issued to curb the illegal proliferation of e-rickshaws. Official figures indicate that around 1.2 lakh e-rickshaws are registered in Delhi, but many operate without valid registration, contributing to congestion and safety risks.

The department has recently established a dedicated pit for impounding e-rickshaws at Burari. Additionally, there are three pits located in Burari, Sarai Kale Khan, and Dwarka where impounded vehicles are taken.

Safety Concerns and Incidents

Illegal e-rickshaws are often involved in unsafe charging practices and use hazardous batteries. This week, a seven-year-old boy was electrocuted after coming into contact with a live wire at an illegal e-rickshaw charging point near a public toilet in Shalimar Bagh, northwest Delhi.

According to officials, 1,077 rickshaws were impounded between August 1 and 21. The Transport Department's actions aim to address these safety concerns and reduce the number of unregistered e-rickshaws on the roads.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce congestion in the national capital. By targeting unregistered e-rickshaws, the government hopes to create a safer environment for all road users.

This new measure underscores the importance of adhering to registration requirements for e-rickshaw owners. It also highlights the government's commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring public safety.

The Transport Department's proactive approach aims to mitigate risks associated with illegal e-rickshaw operations while promoting compliance with legal standards.