E-ricks to be taken off congested main roads, to ply on feeder roads

Bhopal: After the chaos and mayhem on city roads, the Bhopal district administration is all set to rein in the e-rickshaws. The administration plans to restrict movement of e-ricks on highways and main roads, and it says that this move will decongest and ease traffic.The Road Safety Committee‘s preliminary proposal recommends prohibiting e-rickshaw operations on specific routes, including VIP Road, Link Road No. 1 and 2, and Hoshangabad Road in the initial phase. Officials note the absence of clear operational guidelines for e-rickshaws. The transport department’s permit exemption allows these vehicles unrestricted movement and parking, leading to traffic disruptions.Deputy commissioner of police (Traffic) Sanjay Kumar Singh stated, “E-rickshaws were introduced with the aim of last-mile connectivity to connect residential colonies or feeder roads with main roads. B

ut now they are more visible on the main routes rather than the service or feeder roads leading to traffic chaos.” Around the city, whether in Old Bhopal or New Bhopal, e-ricks ply unhindered often affecting smooth flow of vehicles. Besides carrying passengers, these rickshaws also carry commercial items such as cement, sanitary wares and others making it dangerous on the road as these vehicles are very unstable.The registration figures show significant growth: 2,541 e-rickshaws in 2022-23, 3,129 in 2023-24, and 3,057 from 2024 to present.DCP Singh said that the Road Safety Committee thoroughly discussed this matter in their meeting. The final decision awaits the next meeting. The committee also considered alternative routes for e-rickshaws, acknowledging their significant passenger base. The administration emphasises that these measures are not meant to discourage e-rickshaws but to organise them better for the benefit of all road users. The focus remains on maintaining their role as an essential mode of intermediate public transport while ensuring orderly traffic movement.