Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Wednesday voiced concerns over the unregulated rise of e-rickshaws in Delhi, warning that without strict regulations, they could turn into a traffic menace. She urged authorities to impose necessary restrictions to ensure urban mobility remains efficient and safe.
E-Rickshaws Causing Traffic Congestion
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in Parliament, Maliwal highlighted how the unchecked proliferation of e-rickshaws, especially around metro stations, markets, and major roads, has contributed to severe traffic congestion in the capital. She pointed out that there is currently no cap on the number of e-rickshaws, and authorities lack accurate data on their registrations.
She also raised concerns about drivers operating without proper licenses or formal training, leading to reckless driving, overloading, and increased accidents.
Electrocution Incident Raises Safety Concerns
Maliwal brought up a tragic incident of a 7-year-old boy getting electrocuted due to an illegal e-rickshaw charging station, emphasizing the urgent need for proper regulation of charging points to prevent such mishaps.
Proposed Measures to Regulate E-Rickshaws
To tackle these issues, Maliwal suggested several measures, including:
- Imposing a cap on the total number of e-rickshaws in Delhi.
- Mandatory registration and licensing for e-rickshaw drivers.
- Designating fixed zones and routes for their operation.
- Strict enforcement of traffic rules to curb underage driving and reckless behavior.
- Cracking down on unauthorized charging stations to prevent accidents.
She clarified that her intent was not to target e-rickshaw drivers, but to ensure fair regulation, pointing out that while autos and taxis are strictly monitored, e-rickshaws operate with little to no oversight.
Demand for Legal MSP Guarantee for Farmers
During the Zero Hour, Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman also raised concerns over the lack of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on major crops. He stressed that farmers’ issues cannot be resolved until the government ensures a legally binding MSP.
Sources By Agencies