In a significant move aimed at improving road safety and easing traffic congestion, the Delhi government’s Transport Department is considering granting a one-month grace period to owners of unregistered e-rickshaws to complete their vehicle registration.
Officials said the proposal is under active consideration and is intended to strike a balance between road safety enforcement and protecting livelihoods of thousands of e-rickshaw drivers operating in the capital.
Rising Safety Concerns Trigger Policy Review
Originally introduced as an eco-friendly mode of transport, e-rickshaws have increasingly become a concern on Delhi roads due to their slow speed, contribution to traffic congestion, and safety issues—especially when operated without proper registration or fitness certification.
According to official data, 2,04,131 e-rickshaws were registered on Delhi’s vehicle dashboard as of January 2026. However, authorities believe the actual number is significantly higher, with a large portion operating without registration.
One-Month Grace Period Under Consideration
A senior Transport Department official said that once formal orders are issued, unregistered e-rickshaw drivers may be given one month to complete registration. The exact date for rolling out the scheme has not yet been finalised.
“The objective is to ensure safer roads while also ensuring that people dependent on e-rickshaws for their livelihood are not suddenly deprived of income,” the official said.
Delhi High Court Case Adds Urgency
The issue gained urgency earlier this month after the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The petition was filed by a man whose eight-year-old daughter died after an unregistered e-rickshaw overturned, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated vehicles.
Regulations Already in Place
Officials clarified that under the E-Rickshaw Service Scheme introduced in 2014, battery-operated rickshaws fall under the category of transport vehicles. Once the fitness certificate expires, it must be renewed as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The Transport Department also issued a notification on December 11, 2014, identifying 236 roads in Delhi where the movement and parking of e-rickshaws is prohibited to manage traffic flow and enhance safety.
Balancing Safety and Livelihood
The proposed registration window is expected to help authorities bring thousands of e-rickshaws into the formal system, improving accountability, enforcing safety norms, and reducing traffic bottlenecks—without disrupting the livelihoods of drivers overnight.
