Bengal Govt To Announce Rules For E-rickshaws To Avoid Traffic Congestion

In a bid to curb the chaos caused by the increasing number of e-rickshaws, the State Transport Department, West Bengal has announced new guidelines to regulate the operation. Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty announced that e-rickshaw drivers will now have to ply within specified registration routes to avoid unwanted traffic congestion and ensure passenger safety. The e-rickshaw, also known as totos, was introduced as the last line vehicle to form part of public transport. It was originally brought in to deliver commuters from the main road right to their doorsteps. Many individuals have found employment after the introduction of totos to the market.

The transport department is going to bring these new guidelines to get rid of the increasing number of vehicles and the way traffic jams are being created on the roads due to the lack of certain rules and regulations.

In this regard, Chakraborty said that the number of totos has surged to around 10 lakhs across Bengal, making it difficult to control without specific route permits. Complaints have been lodged in some cases about totos causing traffic jams and hindering the movement of buses, ambulances, and other vehicles.

That is why the state government is going to introduce a disciplined rule in collaboration with the local municipal panchayat and police administration. Under the new rules, every toto driver will need to register to operate the vehicle, which will help in controlling the congestion of toto along the undesired road. The minister also said that in various cases, a person is seen buying a lot of totos. In this situation, only one toto will be allowed per person.

The administration will also monitor the system to prevent exploitation and ensure that toto drivers, mainly poor and unemployed youth, do not lose their livelihoods. He also said that attention will be paid to ensure that toto does not run on busy roads like highways, where accidents have been increasing. They will only be allowed on various pocket routes.

The transport minister also emphasised that drivers must adhere to age limits to operate the vehicle, as people of all ages are currently involved in it.