E-rickshaws get costlier, fares may go up too

After getting the green signal from the Union Transport Ministry, the prices of e-rickshaws have been increased by up to 30 per cent.

The substantial hike is likely to burn a hole in the commuters’ pockets. The e-rickshaw unions are considering a steep hike in the fares to compensate for the increased rates.

“The 650 watt e-rickshaws are now being sold at Rs 1 lakh per vehicle against the earlier price of Rs 70,000. We fear that the rates can go much higher as they have been regularised,” said Santosh Kumar, an e-rickshaw dealer of east Delhi.

Without any formal decision, the e-rickshaw drivers have increased the minimum charges at the prime locations. In Connaught Place, the minimum fare has been increased from Rs 10 to Rs 15.

“Earlier, e-rickshaws charged Rs 10 per passenger from Rajiv Chowk Metro station to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Now, they are charging Rs 15,” said Arvind Singh Saini, a regular commuter of e-rickshaws.

During a rally of e-rickshaw drivers on Tuesday, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that no challan will be issued to e-rickshaw drivers under the Motor Vehicle Act and assured that e-rickshaws will be made legal on Delhi roads. The e-rickshaw drivers have also increased the rate for passengers hiring the entire vehicle for themselves. They are now being charged Rs 50 against the earlier rate of Rs 40 in New Delhi area.

No need for licence

“There is no need of any licence to drive e-rickshaws. The owners can charge it for the entire night and it can work for five-six hours. It requires only Rs 100 as registration fee. It is a one-time investment and that’s why people are buying it to for their livelihood,” said Gopal Yadav, an e-rickshaw dealer from New Delhi area.