Delhi Steps Up E-Rickshaw Crackdown to Decongest City

Delhi's Transport Department will soon start scrapping impounded, unregistered e-rickshaws. Owners will have a week to register their vehicles before they are crushed and handed over for scrapping. The decision follows a high-level review aimed at reducing congestion and addressing safety hazards posed by unregistered e-rickshaws.

The Delhi government's Transport Department is preparing to scrap unregistered e-rickshaws that have been impounded, officials confirmed on Friday. These vehicles will be crushed with a roller before being handed to a scrapper.

Owners of unregistered e-rickshaws will have one week to register their vehicles. Failure to do so will result in impoundment and subsequent transfer to a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility, a senior official stated. The crackdown aims to decongest the city, following directives from a high-level review meeting led by the LG.

Official numbers indicate approximately 1.2 lakh registered e-rickshaws in Delhi. However, the presence of numerous unregistered ones contributes to congestion and poses safety risks. Recent data revealed that 1,077 e-rickshaws were seized between August 1 and 21, amid growing concerns over illegal charging practices and unsafe batteries. Tragically, a seven-year-old boy was electrocuted at an illegal charging point this week.

(With inputs from agencies.)