Bangalore Could Get E-Rickshaw: Transport Department

By Kennedy

Electric rickshaws could make its way into Bangalore roads, the Transport Department is considering to introduce the e-rickshaw for last mile connectivity.

bangalore could get e-rickshaw

Also Read: Safe E-Rickshaws Launched In Delhi

The Transport Department is looking to the proposal of introducing Delhi's 'odd-even' rule to decongest the city's traffic issues is also considering the e-rickshaw.

The e-rickshaw is powered by a 2000 watt motor and go at a top speed of 25km/h. A license is required to operate the vehicle.

"We want to keep Bengaluru pollution-free. The facility will be piloted first in other districts. Based on the results, it will be rolled out in Bengaluru," Transport Commissioner Ramegowda said.

The maximum speed of the e-rickshaw is 25 km/h, this could be a concern. "We are concerned about its performance vis-a-vis other vehicles in Bengaluru's traffic. Also, we want to gauge public feedback for this in other districts," said Additional Commissioner for Transport (Administration) L Hemanth Kumar.

The cost of these e-rickshaw ranges between Rs. 95,000 to 1.25 lakh each. "We have sent a proposal to the government seeking its nod to issue licences allowing operations of e-rickshaws," Kumar said.

The e-rickshaw has been running in the national capital for some time now. They had gone off the road in 2014 after Delhi High Court banned them for safety concerns. However, they made their way back after Rajya Sabha passed Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill last year, and considered the e-rickshaw as a commercial vehicle.

Urban expert Ashwin Mahesh feels otherwise, he said "In most countries, last-mile connectivity is achieved by walking.Authorities instead should improve footpaths on the lines of TenderSURE (a recent roads re-laying project incorporating wider footpaths). And BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) already runs feeder services from metro stations, coupled with Big10 (buses) from major junctions for last-mile connectivity,"

President of Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers Union - which represents more than 20,000 auto drivers - M Manjunath said, "We're like siblings. We don't have a problem. The government should also look at banning two-stroke autos, which pollute a lot," he said.

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Read more on: #auto news #four wheelers
Article Published On: Thursday, February 25, 2016, 18:49 [IST]
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