Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Traffic chaos in Bhopal is worsening as over 100 minors are reportedly driving e-rickshaws across the city, taking advantage of lenient regulations and lack of enforcement.
This alarming trend is adding to the growing problem of road congestion and increasing risk of accidents.
According to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), more than 10,000 e-rickshaws operate in Bhopal, with only around 8,000 of them officially registered.
Unlike other commercial vehicles, e-rickshaws do not require special permits or commercial driving licenses, making them easily accessible to underage drivers.
Minors are frequently seen rash-driving overloaded e-rickshaws, often transporting passengers or using them as goods carriers, openly flouting traffic norms. Officials blame lack of strict policy and enforcement mechanisms for this growing issue.
Following directions from Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, a traffic safety meeting was held and a committee was formed to regulate e-rickshaws. Proposals included assigning route-specific colour codes and creating dedicated parking zones. However, there has been no significant follow-up on the plan.
Onus on govt: RTO
Bhopal RTO Brijesh Sharma acknowledged that the current rules don’t mandate permits for e-rickshaw drivers and noted that any change must come from the central government.
New plan on anvil
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police, Basant Kaul, said that nearly 100 challans are issued every week, with most involving minors behind the wheel. He said that the department is working on a new plan to better regulate e-rickshaw operations and improve road safety in the city.
