In a relief to e-rickshaw operators in New Delhi, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the battery-operated rickshaws will not be barred from operating in the national capital and they will be considered as non-motorised vehicles.
Adressing a rally of e-rickshaw owners and drivers at Ramlila Maidan in Dlehi, Mr Gadkari said that e-rickshaws with motor power till 650W would now be considered as non-motorised vehicles.
“E-rickshaws having motor till 650W will now be regarded as non-motorised vehicles. Now, Transport department and traffic police cannot challan them from tomorrow,” Mr. Gadkari said.
The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had rendered e-rickshaws illegal via a notification issued on April 24.
According to earlier rules, three-wheeler vehicles with motor power less than 250W and speed less than 25kmph were regarded as non-motorised vehicles, but the amendment by recent notification to the Motor Vehicles Act withdrew this exemption.
Mr Gadkari also said that Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has to regulise e-rickshaws by registering them with a fee of just Rs. 100 and form a policy for their smooth operations.
“Owners of e-rickshaws have to get their vehicles registered with MCD with a fee of just Rs. 100. After registering e-rickshaw, MCD will have to give identity cards to drivers so that they could easily earn their livelihood,” Mr Gadkari said.
“Transport department and traffic police officials cannot challan e-rickshaws having four persons on board besides driver. Drivers of such vehicle can also ferry luggage up to 50 kg with four persons,” he added.
He also said that to buy e-rickshaws, a loan at three per cent interest rate will be provided for which, Deen Dayal e-rickshaw scheme will be launched.
