E-rickshaws have emerged as the go-to solution for last-mile connectivity and short trips in Lucknow and other cities, favoured for being more eco-friendly than petrol or CNG vehicles. However, the rapid increase in their numbers, combined with the lack of designated routes, has led to congestion on key city roads.

Though the Lucknow police and district authorities occasionally impose restrictions on e-rickshaws along major routes, these efforts offer only brief respite, with operations quickly resuming.

The rising issue of congestion due to e-rickshaws, which has been plaguing not only Lucknow but also other cities, was recently brought to light by the Supreme Court.

The committee underscored the pressing need for stringent measures, noting that the unchecked presence of e-rickshaws on key city routes not only worsens traffic congestion but also poses a serious safety hazard for commuters.

Here are some concerns raised by Lucknow residents regarding the erratic operations of e-rickshaws in the city:

Bablu Singh, a local cloth vendor from Hazratganj's Love Lane, remarked, "E-rickshaws have long been banned by the police on the Hazratganj main market stretch. There are traffic signs near the Hanuman Temple at Atal crossing restricting their access, yet you can still see e-rickshaws plying the route, and the traffic police takes no action."

Manoj Kumble, a resident of Indira Nagar, added, "I've often seen e-rickshaw drivers moving recklessly, ignoring basic rules like using headlights at night to conserve battery power, driving on the wrong side, and neglecting indicators, which increases the risk of accidents."

Anil Gupta from Mahanagar stated, "There are already plenty of transport options between Nishatganj and other routes, including Vikram Tempos, CNG Autos, and even the Metro. There's no need for e-rickshaws on this route. Traffic police should designate these rickshaws for areas with fewer transport options to benefit commuters there."

Akash Pratap Singh, a professor and resident of Khurram Nagar, shared his perspective, stating, "We understand that e-rickshaw drivers need to earn their livelihood, but many of them are not adequately trained to operate their vehicles. I've also come across underage drivers. There is a strong need to educate e-rickshaw drivers about basic road safety rules and how to ensure the safety of their passengers."

The Supreme Court's Committee for Road Safety has recommended that a joint team comprising the police, transport, traffic and district administration designate specific feeder routes for e-rickshaws.

In response, the Lucknow district administration, alongside the traffic police, municipal corporation, and other authorities, is actively developing strategies to tackle the situation. With the Supreme Court's directive pushing for stricter compliance, Lucknow is likely to witness improved planning and regulation of e-rickshaw operations in the coming months.