E-ricks in Delhi to make comeback as government notifies new scheme

In a major step ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, the city government on Tuesday notified the new E-Rickshaw Sewa Scheme, paving the way for the battery- operated vehicles' return on the national capital roads.

The government's move comes just days after the Cabinet on December 24 approved the promulgation of an ordinance as a bill pertaining to regulation of these vehicles could not get through the Parliament.

According to the transport department here, e-rickshaws will now be registered as transport vehicle under registration series DL-1ER and granted contract carriage permits (without fare meter). Under the new scheme, e-rickshaws should have seating capacity of four persons, excluding the driver, with maximum luggage weight of 40 kg.

"The model of e-rickshaw must be duly approved in accordance with provisions of section 126 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Besides, the name, address and telephone number of permit holder should be painted on the left side of the vehicle," the new scheme stated. However, no fare structure was included in the new rules.

The transport department also said that every e-rickshaw should have a yellow colour reflective strip on its rear side. "The dimensions of the e-rickshaw should not exceed length of 2.8 meters, 1.8 meters height and 1 meter width and every such vehicle should also have valid fitness certificate issued from the department," it said.