Riding The Electric Wave
- connect2783
- Jan 31, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17
E-rickshaws are rapidly gaining popularity in smaller cities like Darbhanga and Matheran, offering eco-friendly mobility solutions. However, their rise isn't without challenges. Safety concerns, regulation gaps, and local resistance highlight the complexities of this green transport revolution. With demand growing for last-mile connectivity, can e-rickshaws deliver on their promise of sustainable urban transport?
Did you know that in Darbhanga, around 200 e-rickshaws are sold every month? CNG rickshaw drivers in this city have begun switching to electric models, according to Balaji Motors. There is a growing demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) even in Tier-III and IV cities due to improved rural electrification and access to smaller bank loans, along with government rebates on battery charging. UP, Haryana, Delhi, and Maharashtra have had successful EV proliferation, with Odisha not far behind!
On 25th Sept 2023, IIT Bhubaneswar officially flagged off its On-Campus E-Rickshaw Services. Partnering with M/s Shree Nilamadhaba Tours & Travels, IIT Bhubaneswar aims to offer an eco-friendly, inclusive & accessible transport option for the campus community. Part of the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ program & Mission LiFE campaign, this service intends to create a ‘Zero Emission Campus.’
Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd signed an MoU with the Sambalpur administration to provide e-rickshaws to 50 people with disabilities under the CSR project “Saksham”, generating self-employment. IIT Bhubaneswar also opened zero-emission campus e-rickshaw services as a part of the nationwide “Swachhata Hi Seva” programme and Mission LiFE campaign.
Considered a part of sustainable development, e-rickshaws also face challenges due to inadequate regulation. While Guwahati grapples with intense traffic due to the unauthorised operation of e-rickshaws, nearly 1 lakh Delhi e-rickshaws are running on old and potentially unsafe lead-acid batteries.
A police survey found that nearly 80% of Ghaziabad’s e-rickshaws were illegally assembled without quality checks and registration. Instances of passenger overload, thefts, and accidents have also raised safety concerns.
India’s pedestrian-only, eco-sensitive hill station, Matheran, has recently introduced e-rickshaws.
While residents welcome the convenience, many are concerned about the impact on the traditional livelihoods of hand-rickshaw pullers and horse owners. In Agartala, the Tripura Electric Rickshaw Shramik Sangh protested against a sudden ban on their access to key roads. The union demanded a resolution without impacting the drivers’ daily income.
As the cost of charging decreases and more efficient technology develops, the popularity of EVs is expected to increase, given their affordability and convenience for last-mile connectivity. Consequently, there is a growing demand for mobility plans that incorporate e-rickshaws.
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