Union Cabinet relaxed norms for e-rickshaw drivers

Union Cabinet on 5 December 2014 relaxed norms for e-rickshaw drivers in Delhi. The decision will pave the way for the battery-operated vehicles or e-rickshaws to ply on Delhi roads.

The norms waived the provision requiring that no person shall be granted a learner’s licence to drive a commercial vehicle unless he or she has held a driving licence for light motor vehicle for at least one year.

The decision also added that e-rickshaw is a legal entity and any driver passing the driving test will now be granted a licence.

In July 2014, Delhi High Court had banned plying of e-rickshaws on the roads of Delhi considering the prima facie that e-rickshaws are a hazard to other traffic as well as citizens.

In October 2014, Delhi government had notified Central Motor Vehicles (Sixteenth Amendment) Rules, 2014 for plying of e-rickshaws. The rules made it mandatory for drivers to have licence for operating and limiting the maximum speed to 25 km per hour. Also e-rickshaw will be allowed to carry four passengers and 40 kg luggage while e-carts will transport goods up to 310 kg.