Last-mile millstones: How e-rickshaws are a jigsaw Delhi is unable to solve
NEW DELHI: Every morning, metro stations across Delhi resemble a battlefield. E-rickshaws swarm the exits, jostling for passengers, clogging the roads, violating all traffic rules. Last year alone, Delhi Traffic Police bookings surged 47% with the violations by these battery-powered vehicles rising from 2,08,130 in 2023 to 3,05,959 in 2024.
Mon, 3 Mar 2025
While these three-wheelers are crucial for last-mile connectivity with Delhi Metro, their wanton ways are a headache for the authorities and the commuters. They carry more people than permitted, park haphazardly on arteries and slow down traffic, they block entry points to markets making even pedestrian movement cumbersome. And they often risk riding on the wrong side into oncoming traffic.
Last-Mile Millstones: How E-Rickshaws Are a Jigsaw Delhi Is Unable to Solve
The Rise of E-Rickshaws in Delhi
E-rickshaws have become an integral part of Delhi's last-mile connectivity, bridging the gap between metro stations, bus stops, and residential areas. These battery-operated vehicles offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. However, their unregulated expansion has created a complex puzzle that the city is struggling to solve.
A Chaotic Urban Landscape
Despite their benefits, e-rickshaws have led to significant urban challenges:
1. Traffic Congestion & Road Safety Issues
E-rickshaws frequently cause traffic jams, especially around metro stations, market areas, and busy intersections.
Many operate without proper licenses, and drivers often lack formal training, leading to frequent accidents.
The Delhi Traffic Police reported a 53% rise in e-rickshaw-related violations between 2022 and 2023, with thousands of cases of illegal parking and reckless driving.
2. Illegal Operations & Regulation Gaps
A large portion of Delhi’s e-rickshaws operate without proper registration. In neighboring Ghaziabad, nearly 80% of e-rickshaws are illegal.
Many are driven by underage or untrained individuals, increasing safety risks.
Authorities have struggled to regulate and integrate e-rickshaws into the city's formal transport system.
3. Power Theft & Unsafe Charging Practices
With over 2 lakh e-rickshaws in Delhi, legal charging infrastructure is insufficient, leading to widespread power theft.
Unauthorized roadside charging stations result in electricity theft worth Rs 120 crore annually, causing frequent power disruptions.
Unsafe charging methods have led to fire hazards and electrocution incidents.
Government's Dilemma
While e-rickshaws support Delhi’s green mobility goals, the lack of proper infrastructure and policy framework has made their management a nightmare. Officials are considering:
✔ Strict licensing and registration processes
✔ Designated parking zones and charging stations
✔ Driver training programs and traffic enforcement
What’s Next?
Delhi’s transport authorities need to strike a balance between sustainability and regulation. Without immediate action, the city risks descending into a chaotic, unmanageable e-rickshaw crisis, jeopardizing both commuters’ convenience and road safety.
This growing issue underscores a critical urban challenge: How can Delhi harness the benefits of e-rickshaws while preventing them from becoming a burden on the city's infrastructure?