Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the e-rickshaws could continue to ply in the city as these had been catering to the people travelling short distances.
Ms. Dikshit was interacting with e-rickshaw drivers who had come to convey their gratitude to her at her residence for the government’s sympathetic view towards them.
Stating that e-rickshaws were pollution-free and probably not covered under the definition of motorised vehicles, Ms. Dikshit said her government would soon come out with a set of guidelines on the e-rickshaws after consultation with all stakeholders. She further added that e-rickshaws were pollution free and could be used to connect different Metro stations in the city with nearby colonies.
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The Delhi Transport Department had earlier this year decided to crackdown on battery-powered e-rickshaws operating in the city in violation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act. According to the Transport Department officials, the e-rickshaws were prone to accidents and operating without any statutory clearance. The Department had also mulled action against the manufacturers and dealers of such rickshaws under relevant laws.
But, Ms. Dikshit’s interaction with the e-rickshaw drivers showed just why the Department has not pressed forth with his announcements.