RTO plans to give licences to e-rickshaws , issues remain
AREAS OF CONCERN Issues such as stands for e-rickshaws and jams caused by them on road yet to be addressed
JAIPUR: Even as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has decided to issue licences to e-rickshaws in Jaipur, several regulations specified for the intermediate public transport in a recent t r af f i c s t udy are yet t o be addressed.
According to the Comprehensive Traffic and Transport Study (CTTS) conducted by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), major traffic problems arise due to the non-motorised vehicles including e-rickshaws, as the operators do not have designated traffic stands and stop abruptly on the roads causing traffic jams. A separate lane for e-rickshaws and cycles was supposed to be designated in the walled city, which has still not been done.
Presently, over 3000 e-rickshaws are operating in the city, which transport around 10,000 people daily. The e-rickshaws are being used as an intermediate public transport (IPT).
The Traffic Control Board (TCB), comprising several departments such as Jaipur metro, Jaipur Smart City Limited, Jaipur Development Authority and Jaipur Municipal Corporation, is headed by the JDA commissioner. The TCB had earlier decided that each e-rickshaw should be assigned specific areas to operate.
Rajendra Kumar Verma, RTO, Jaipur, said that the city has been divided into eight zones for e-rickshaws. “Each e-rickshaw that we have in the city will be designated to travel in a single zone. The
Each e-rickshaw that we have in the city will be designated to travel in a single zone. The process for giving licences for the same will initate in 10 days
process for giving licences for the same will initate in 10 days. We are also planning to give different colours to the e-rickshaw so that they are easily identifiable as per the zone,” said Verma.
However, the TCB is yet to cater to major issues with the e-rickshaws. The transport study for the Jaipur region has pointed out that e-rickshaws do not have designated stand, stop abruptly and at intersections block the turning traffic, which leads to accidents.
Chomu Puliya, Transport Nagar, Heerapura Circle, Railway Station, Sindhi Camp and Ghat Gate are the major areas where the issues were observed, according to the report. The report listed out several IPT related issues such as unauthorised IPT stands and parking, which often leads to traffic congestion. “Abrupt and erratic stoppage of e-rickshaws on roads, often in two rows near railway station results in congestion,” stated the report.
The construction of smart roads has been completed only in Kishanpole market in the city, where a stretch of 2.5 metre width has been specified for e-rickshaws and cycles.
RAJENDRA KUMAR VERMA, RTO