Karnataka to Regulate E-Rickshaws Amid Rising Conflicts

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced plans to regulate e-rickshaws by either amending the bill or changing rules. The initiative aims to control misuse of the exemption from permits. This follows conflicts between e-rickshaw operators and traditional rickshaw permit holders highlighted by BJP MLA D Vedavyas Kamath.

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has proposed introducing regulations for e-rickshaws to prevent the misuse of permit exemptions. The government intends to amend the existing bill or alter the regulations to achieve this.

Minister Reddy assured the Assembly that provisions for issuing permits would be established, allowing for regulation without any fees being imposed on e-rickshaw operators. This follows a request by BJP MLA D Vedavyas Kamath for a similar approach as seen in Tamil Nadu.

Kamath highlighted the challenges posed by the coexistence of 7,000 permit-holding rickshaw drivers and 3,000 battery-operated e-rickshaws in Mangaluru. The lack of permits for e-rickshaws has led to disputes, exacerbated by wealthier individuals owning multiple e-rickshaws, affecting local livelihoods.

(With inputs from agencies.)