New Delhi: The sight of e-rickshaw drivers calling for passengers even when seats are full and often squeezing in an extra person in front may soon be a thing of the past.Delhi govt’s draft e-rickshaw policy, now out for public suggestions, seeks to strengthen compliance with passenger limits, driver conduct and vehicle safety requirements.Under the draft Delhi E-Rickshaw (Registration and Operation) Scheme, 2026, a vehicle cannot carry more than four people, excluding the driver. No passenger can occupy a seat beside the driver or stand and travel. A driver will also be barred from playing music or any other audio that causes disturbance or distraction.The draft states that the maximum speed of an e-rickshaw must not exceed 25 kmph, while motor power is restricted to 2,000 watts. It also makes a valid driving licence (DL) and a public service vehicle (PSV) badge mandatory for drivers. Each vehicle’s digital e-rickshaw compliance certificate (ECC), valid for two years, will be linked to a single vehicle and one authorised driver.The scheme also proposes a citywide cap of 2.5 lakh e-rickshaws after the compliance window. Individuals will be allowed to own up to five vehicles, while eligible entities can own up to 100. Entities reaching 25 registered vehicles will need an aggregator licence within a month.The move comes against a backdrop of widespread violations of traffic rules by e-rickshaw drivers, leading to several accidents and even loss of lives in Delhi. Overcrowding has been flagged in such vehicles, especially those ferrying schoolchildren, with seven or eight kids often packed into one with some sitting beside the drivers.While several passenger safety provisions were already part of Delhi’s 2014 e-rickshaw scheme, the latest draft proposes a more comprehensive compliance framework, including digital certifications, vehicle inspections and stricter enforcement against unsafe operations.A senior govt official said the draft invites public suggestions within 30 days through email (schemeconsultation2026@gmail.com) or by post to DTO (operations), transport department, Delhi govt, Room No. 104, First Floor, 5/9 Underhill Road, Delhi.All registered vehicles must have high-security registration plates and a yellow reflective strip at the rear. The owner’s name, address and telephone number must be painted on the left side. The drivers will be prohibited from operating on notified restricted roads or parking in a manner that obstructs traffic and pedestrians.For unregistered vehicles, the proposed action is stringent. They will be impounded immediately and won’t be released. The draft provides for their crushing and auctioning, with leased batteries barred from being returned.
