Delhi government plans to cap e-rickshaws at 2.5 lakh to curb traffic

The Delhi government is planning to introduce a new policy to regulate the movement of e-rickshaws, which includes capping the total number of these vehicles on the road at 2.5 lakh. The move aims to address rising safety concerns and reduce severe traffic congestion at major transit hubs, including the Kashmere Gate ISBT and various metro stations across the city.

According to officials from the Transport Department, the rapid and unregulated growth of e-rickshaws has led to an increase in road accidents and slowed traffic on key stretches. While official records show over 2 lakh registered e-rickshaws in Delhi, authorities estimate the actual number operating on the ground is significantly higher.

Under the proposed rules, which may be incorporated into the upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, the government will cap registrations at 2.5 lakh. No new registrations will be issued beyond this limit unless the cap is formally revised by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.

To streamline operations, the policy mandates that an e-rickshaw must be registered in the name of the owner, who must also be the driver. Furthermore, only one vehicle can be registered under a single e-rickshaw endorsed driving license. Registration will be strictly limited to Delhi residents.

The Transport Department also plans to introduce a mandatory E-rickshaw Compliance Certificate (ECC). All e-rickshaws operating in the capital, including existing vehicles that already hold a valid fitness certificate, will be required to obtain and carry this compliance certificate.

Additionally, the draft EV Policy 2.0, which is expected to be presented to the Cabinet next week, proposes a scrapping incentive. Owners of e-rickshaws and Gramin Seva mini vans will be eligible for incentives of Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000, respectively, when scrapping their old vehicles to purchase new ones.