For women, by women: Plan for e-bike taxis at tourist hubs

New Delhi: Govt is planning to roll out an e-bike taxi service led by women and exclusively for women at prominent tourist spots across the city. The initiative, ‘e-Bike Didi Yojana', aims to deploy women riders on electric two-wheelers to provide safe, affordable and eco-friendly last-mile connectivity near key tourist destinations such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk and Humayun's Tomb.The work to draft the policy has begun with inter-departmental consultations as the project will involve multiple departments such as tourism, transport, road-owning agencies and civic bodies.
The women, aged 18 to 40 and residents of Delhi, are likely to be eligible to apply for joining the fleet if they hold a driving licence, including a learner's licence. The selected women will be trained to operate electric bikes and ferry tourists over short distances in areas that often see heavy footfall but are known for last-mile connectivity gaps. "The scheme is likely to be based on the concept of a private bike-taxi hailing service, but it could become transformative because it will serve a dual purpose," said an official. Along with addressing the long-standing demand for safer last-mile public transport options for women around crowded tourist spots, the move will also create livelihood opportunities for women in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men, he pointed out. For Delhi's tourism ecosystem, the service could prove timely. As the city tries to project itself as a global cultural destination, improving visitors' experience becomes a priority. From the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk to the sprawling lawns of Humayun's Tomb, tourists often rely on autos for short hops. "An organised e-bike taxi network could reduce waiting times, ease congestion and lower emissions at the world's popular sites," said the official.Electric two-wheelers are not only noiseless but also produce zero tailpipe emissions, prompting govt to choose them to avoid adding to noise or air pollution. Instead of conventional petrol-powered bikes, e-bikes will promote clean mobility at tourist spots and other high-footfall areas where environmental concerns are in focus, said the official. "Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation will be the implementing agency for the scheme. Once the policy is announced, it will invite online applications as well as applications by post or in person," said another official. The service is likely to begin with a few selected sites before being expanded according to demand and feedback from tourists, he added. "After the department-level consultations are over, a draft will be prepared and put up before the competent authority for consideration and approval," said the official, adding that no deadline has been fixed yet.