Quest for mileage, drivers of e-rickshaws ignore commuters safety during night hours

As the holy city embraces eco-friendly revolution with battery-operated e-rickshaws, a new challenge has emerged, putting commuters’ safety at risk. Despite benefits of these environmental friendly vehicles, many drivers are neglecting a crucial aspect of road safety which is switching on headlights after dark.

The quest for mileage and battery conservation has led some drivers to keep their e-rickshaw lights off, even when moving onto main roads from side lanes. This reckless behaviour has left other commuters vulnerable to accidents and near-misses.

Expressing dismay, Harmanpreet Kaur, a concerned resident, said, “While we understand the desire to maximise battery power, drivers must prioritise safety of commuters. By not using headlights, they are not only risking their own lives, but also those who travel on their vehicles during night.”

The government’s initiative to promote e-rickshaws under the Rejuvenation of Auto-rickshaw in Amritsar Through Holistic Intervention (RAAHI) project has led to a surge in adoption of such vehicles. With subsidies and assistance with bank loans, the number of e-rickshaws is continuously increasing. The project aims to replace at least 12,000 diesel run auto-rickshaws to combat pollution in the city.

E-rickshaws have won over drivers and commuters alike with their narrower width, making navigation through narrow streets and traffic jams easier. However, failure of some drivers to adhere to basic safety protocols has raised concerns.

Voicing his frustration, Satnam Singh, another resident, said, “Everything about e-rickshaws is great, except for the irresponsible behaviour of some drivers. They must be educated and sensitised about the importance of using headlights for the safety of all road users.”

“As the city continues to embrace benefits of e-rickshaws, it is crucial that drivers prioritise safety and adopt responsible driving practices to ensure a secure and sustainable transportation system for all,” he said.