The Delhi Transport Department has introduced stricter rules for e-rickshaw and e-cart drivers amid a rise in road accidents involving these vehicles.
Under the new rules, training certificates issued by e-rickshaw dealers will no longer be accepted for obtaining a driving license.
Applicants must now complete training at government-approved institutions before they can apply for a license.
10-Day Training Now Mandatory
To get an e-rickshaw driving license, applicants must first complete a 10-day training course at a recognized driving school or training center.
After completing the training, drivers will receive a certificate. They will then have to pass the Transport Department’s driving test. Only after clearing the test will they be eligible for an e-rickshaw driving license.
The department has also made it clear that an e-rickshaw or e-cart can be registered in a person’s name only after they obtain a valid driving license.
According to the Transport Department, a 10-day training requirement for e-rickshaw drivers has existed since these vehicles first started operating on Delhi roads.
Why the Government Changed the Rules
Earlier, the government had directed manufacturers to provide driver training through their dealers. However, reports suggested that many dealers were not conducting the required training programs.
Sources said a complaint related to this issue was also filed with the Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch a few months ago. The matter is currently under investigation.
With e-rickshaw-related accidents increasing, the Delhi government has now decided to shift training responsibilities to schools and institutions that have proper facilities and expertise to train drivers.
What Will Drivers Learn During Training?
The 10-day training program will focus on safe driving practices and traffic rules.
Drivers will be taught about road safety, traffic regulations, parking rules, handling intersections, and driving at night.
The training will also prepare drivers for emergency situations such as brake failure, tyre bursts, and vehicle fires.
According to the new Transport Department guidelines, only certificates issued by government-recognized training institutions will be considered valid while applying for an e-rickshaw or e-cart driving license.
Officials believe the move will help reduce accidents, improve road safety, and ease traffic congestion caused by improperly trained e-rickshaw drivers.
