The Rise of Eco-friendly Transportation: E-Rickshaw Transforming India's Last-Mile Connectivity

 

E-Rickshaw

E-rickshaws, also known as battery-operated rickshaws, are three-wheeled electric vehicles used for public or cargo transportation. They run on a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery and can carry 2-4 passengers. They have become very popular in India in recent years as an affordable and eco-friendly solution for last-mile connectivity.

 Growth in Production and Usage

According to government estimates, around 1.2 million e-rickshaws were operating across India as of 2019. The industry has witnessed massive growth rising from just 70,000 units in 2014. Major manufacturing clusters have emerged in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Bihar which account for over 80% of total production. The improving battery technologies and falling prices have made them affordable for both passengers and operators. This has boosted their popularity among urban poor for daily commute as well as commercial applications like goods delivery.

Benefits over Conventional Rickshaws

They offer E-Rickshaw significant benefits over commonly used auto-rickshaws and conventional hand-pulled rickshaws. They are more comfortable, safer, and environmentally cleaner mode of transport. Theycan run at speeds up to 25kmph which is faster than hand-pulled rickshaws. They don't require manual labor which has empowered women to take up driving jobs. Being electric, they don't contribute to air pollution and noise levels are also lower compared to engines. This has made them suitable even for crowded city centers. They are exempted from registration fees and road taxes in many states giving them a cost advantage over fuel-run vehicles.

 Role in Job Creation

The decentralized industry has emerged as a source of livelihood for many unskilled workers and entrepreneurs. Just the manufacturing units employ over 500,000 people across India. Each e-rickshaw operating on roads supports the livelihoods of 2-3 people including the driver, conductor, and sometimes mechanic. Women have also actively participated as rickshaw drivers providing an alternate source of income. The growing after-sales service sector employs technicians, spare parts sellers etc. Studies estimate that for every 10,000 new e-rickshaws additional 24,000 jobs can be created indirectly. This has significant socio-economic benefits for a developing country like India.

 Meeting Urban Transport Needs

With growing urbanization, India faces huge challenges in providing affordable transportation options to the masses. They have emerged as a viable solution in filling the gaps, especially for last-mile connectivity. They are able to maneuver through traffic congested streets and by-lanes much better than buses or cars. They have become a popular means for short commutes within cities as well as connecting nearby towns and villages. In several cities, organized services are operated with designated routes, fixed fares, and digital payment options becoming part of formal public transport systems. This has boosted accessibility while generating self-employment in rural and suburban areas.

Issues and Challenges

However, rapid growth of this sector has also thrown up issues related to road safety, traffic management and enforcement of regulations. Overloading, reckless driving without license, and lack of mandatory safety features in some vehicles have led to accidents in cities. Their growing numbers have added to traffic congestion on already clogged streets if not planned and managed well. Environmental issues like improper battery disposal and charging infrastructure need attention. There is a lack of uniform safety and performance standards for e-rickshaws across states resulting in questionable road-worthiness of some models.

 The Way Forward

To optimize the benefits of them and minimize disadvantages, a holistic policy framework and its strict implementation is required. Road safety rules for e-rickshaws need rigorous enforcement through awareness campaigns, licensing of drivers and mandatory safety equipment. Controlled routes, restricted road access in non-motorized zones, and designated parking areas can decongest cities. Swappable batteries, grid-connected charging points, and guidelines for scrapping used batteries will address environmental sustainability challenges. Strict quality control and certification as per national standards can eliminate sub-standard vehicles from roads. If promoted judiciously with peoples' participation, e-rickshaws have the potential to revolutionize mobility for all in India in a eco-friendly manner.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)