Prayagraj: With earlier attempts to regulate the chaotic movement of e-rickshaws failing to ease traffic congestion in the Sangam city, the district administration is once again preparing a plan to bring their operation under a regulated system. This time, officials will first conduct a comprehensive survey to count e-rickshaws, identify their routes and map the locations where they tend to gather in large numbers before deciding en route-wise restrictions.Divisional commissioner Dr Lokesh M has issued the directions after inspecting several major roads and holding a meeting with officials. He said large numbers of e-rickshaws should not be allowed to operate or remain parked at the same location, as such concentration often creates bottlenecks and obstructs the movement of other vehicles and pedestrians.A committee comprising the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) vice-chairman, municipal commissioner, RTO and ACP (traffic) has been formed to carry out the survey and submit its report within three days. The exercise will record the number of e-rickshaws operating in the city, their existing routes and the points where they are usually parked or pick up passengers.Based on the survey, e-rickshaw and auto routes will be rationalised and vehicles will be assigned numbers and colours according to different clusters. Despite route restrictions and enforcement drives, e-rickshaws continued to operate beyond designated stretches and congregate at busy markets, crossings and road junctions, contributing to recurring congestion. Officials now hope that a survey-based route and cluster system will make enforcement easier.Meanwhile, the administration has also begun action against roadside encroachments. During his inspection outside Medical College, Lokesh directed officials to clear encroachments from the road and footpaths and free around 7-8 feet of space for pedestrians and vehicles. He also inspected Thornhill Road and Clive Road and ordered removal of obstructions from footpaths.The commissioner further directed the municipal commissioner and BSA to conduct a survey of children living and sleeping by the roadside, particularly along Dayanand Marg, Clive Road and Medical College crossing. Officials have been asked to prepare a plan for their food and education, with NGOs to be involved in helping bring the children into schools.
