e-rickshaw: UT Admn to notify policy soon

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Chandigarh, June 22

The Chandigarh Department of Transport is all set to notify the e-rickshaw policy this month.

Sources said the Secretary, Transport, today held a meeting with stakeholders over the objections received in this regard.

The sources said the major suggestions included the introduction of a colour code for e-rickshaws. The reason given for it was to make e-rickshaws different from other vehicles.

It was also suggested to exempt e-rickshaws from the value added tax (VAT) and road tax. Sources said the Administration was likely to accept the suggestions.

A draft policy was prepared with an aim to provide e-rickhshaws as first and last-mile connectivity and act as a complementary service to other modes of transportation.

Under the draft policy, it was proposed that e-rickshaws will operate on the contract carriage permit and the application for obtaining the permit will be made under the Chandigarh Motor Vehicle Rules, 1990.

The ownership as well as the permit for e-rickshaws will be transferable as per the procedure applicable for commercial vehicles.

The number of passengers to be carried in e-rickshaw must not exceed the registered seating capacity of four passengers, excluding the driver.

The load carried by an e-cart should not exceed the permissible load mentioned on the registration certificate. The name, address and telephone number of the permit holder will be painted on the left side of the vehicle and the driver shall wear uniform, which will be grey in colour.