E-Rickshaw bill was passed by Lok Sabha (People’s Assembly) last week setting it clear that Government wanted to push mobility of people to the forefront. From now E-Rikshaws are a legalised system which was effectuated by an amendment to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (Read Full Text here Motor vehicle ordinance 2015) . E-Rickshaws, quickly gained ground among the people, especially urban poor in cities due to its accessibility, flexibility and affordability. They solved the last mile connectivity issue which has been plaguing transport sector in India. However, due to absence of rules and safety guidelines they were asked to keep off the road by the government through different Court rulings. CPPR has been in the forefront of advocating the need for e-rickshaws under the category of Intermediate Para-Transit (IPT) systems to support urban transport in India. CPPR has always taken the stand that lack of policies and government apathy towards IPTs have not helped the cause of mobility in India. CPPR had been a part of the statewide consultations for introducing IPTs as per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) directions. CPPR have had undertaken various studies in Chennai and Kochi and submitted Policy Briefs highlighting the importance of IPTs in India and why it is integral to the system. Read our Policy Briefs on this : Intermediate Para-Transit sector in India and E-Rickshaw in India
We welcome the legislation and the move to legalise e-rickshaws in India. It is important to develop the systems and infrastructures to integrate IPT’s to help the cause of mobility of people in India. We however are disappointed that permits for E-Rickshaws and similar systems are left to the Road Transport Authorities (RTA)’s than the respective City Corporations or Municipalities. It is important to differentiate and free up the clearance and permits systems from the inundated and outdated RTA systems prevailing in India.
To know more about E-Rickshaws and policies in India. View this presentation E-Rickshaw in India or visit http://www.slideshare.net/cppr/e-rikshaw-in-india