Dikshit sets up panel to regulate e-rickshaws

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Tuesday set up a committee to finalise e-rickshaw guidelines, underlining the need for government regulation to stop harassment of drivers.

Headed by Delhi Chief Secretary D.M. Spolia, the committee comprising representatives of police, transport department, e-rickshaw manufacturers and vehicle drivers would submit its report within 15 days.

In a meeting also attended by e-rickshaw drivers, Dikshit stressed on continuation of this environment friendly mode of transport, said a Delhi government official.

However, she stressed e-rickshaws be regulated so no government agency, including police, could harass them.

Manufacturers and drivers requested Dikshit to allow such rickshaws to ply on colony roads to provide connectivity between

etro stations.

Earlier this year, the transport department decided to crack down on battery-run rickshaws for violating the Motor Vehicles Act provisions.

But manufacturers claim the rickshaws are powered with 250 watt battery, hence the act does not apply to them and there is no need for any registration, insurance or driving licence.

Earlier Sunday, angry over exploitation by government agencies, a large number of e-rickshaw drivers vowed to support Aam Aadmi Party in the coming assembly polls.

There are more than 1,500 e-rickshaws plying on Delhi roads.