E-rick ‘ban’ still on paper as commuters negotiate chaos

Bhopal: The e-rickshaw ban and restrictions that were imposed last year continue to exist only on paper as the vehicles flout orders and traffic rules amid lack of regulation on busy roads. 12 exclusive routes—and strictly prohibiting operations elsewhere—were designated but the order lies in tatters, flouted with impunity by thousands of these electric vehicles.The chaos is palpable across Bhopal's bustling arteries. Drivers weave through congested lanes, screech to unscheduled stops outside no-parking zones, and block intersections, leaving motorists, two-wheeler riders, and pedestrians fuming. City officials promise a crackdown. Unions representing e-rickshaw drivers, however, decry the routes as "unviable," citing low ridership and competition from autos. "These e-rickshaws stop anywhere—middle of the road, bus stops, even footpaths—forcing everyone to swerve dangerously," complains Atul Agnihotri, a daily commuter from Arera Colony. Similar frustrations echo from MP Nagar, a commercial hub where e-rickshaws clog prime spots, exacerbating gridlock during peak hours.Last July, district administration issued a firm notification. It mapped out dedicated corridors—spanning key areas like Bittan Market, Lily Square, and DB City—tailored for e-rickshaws to ferry passengers efficiently without invading main thoroughfares.Bhopal now hosts over 15,000 registered e-rickshaws, up from a few thousand few years ago, fuelled by cheap operations and govt subsidies for green transport.Yet, enforcement has crumbled. Field observations reveal e-ricks are rampant on forbidden stretches like VIP Road, Hoshangabad Road, and even the sensitive airport corridor. "Ninety percent ignore the routes," estimates a traffic constable, speaking anonymously. Fines are almost nil against thousands of violations—hampered by understaffed squads and drivers' quick escapes into narrow alleys.Commuters bear the brunt. Rashmi Patel, a college student, recounts a near-miss last week when an e-rickshaw braked suddenly in front of Rangmahal talkies, sparking a multi-vehicle pile-up. Environmental gains from these battery-powered cabs—slashing emissions by an estimated 20% in inner-city zones—now ring hollow amid the disorder.