For many its all about the last-mile connectivity

Despite the ban on the plying of e-rickshaws, most commuters believe they are an ideal mode of public transport for the city.

Despite the ban on the plying of e-rickshaws, most commuters believe they are an ideal mode of public transport for the city, as they are energy efficient, non-polluting, silent, slow moving, economical, easily manoeuvrable due to their small size and provide excellent last-mile connectivity in a shared format.

Most commuters said the need of the hour is primarily to regulate them.

Shashank Singh, a student of NSIT, was categorical when he said that “e-rickshaws should not be banned in Delhi, as it will have repercussions on the Metro commuters as well as the drivers”.

He said “the rickshaws have been in Delhi for almost four years and yet the government has not come up with any steps to regulate their functioning in the city, whereas Tripura established the rules in January, within two years of their introduction. Yes, safety and contribution to traffic jams are issues but these can be effectively addressed by the government with the help of a strong policy regulating these e-rickshaws.”

Ananya Goyal, a student of Maiteryi College, said: “Although there are some problems with the e-rickshaws, I don’t think banning them is a solution. The accident with the child, even though highly unfortunate, could have been caused by any other mode of transport as well. All these problems can be solved by having a framework which governs these vehicles and legalises them.”

However, concerns were also expressed by some commuters regarding the safety of the e-rickshaws. But they insisted that a stipulated framework is needed in which the guidelines are well-structured and leave no room for corruption.

Shalini Sharma, a journalist said: “No, I don't think we are over reacting at all. Chinese replicas of the spare parts of these rickshaws are easily available everywhere. If we are to have e-ricks, we should ensure good quality parts. Secondly, there must also be strict regulations on the number of people and amount of luggage they can carry. Unless ambiguities are solved, it is better to keep them off roads.”

Elaborating on the same, Sakshi Nagar, another journalist, said: “They should not be banned: instead they should be given specific areas to move around...as it is very risky to travel in e-rickshaws on main roads because of their light weight. There should also be a restriction on the number of passengers they can carry.”

(The writer in an intern with The Hindu)