Over Half of Delhi’s E-Rickshaws Operate in Just Three Areas, Government Data Reveals

New Delhi: Delhi has emerged as the e-rickshaw capital of India, with over 200,000 registered electric rickshaws operating across the city. Government data reveals a striking concentration: more than half of the city’s e-rickshaws operate in just three localities, highlighting both the popularity and uneven distribution of these vehicles.

Top Areas for E-Rickshaw Operations
Rohini tops the list with 46,150 e-rickshaws, followed by Wazirpur (30,252) and Loni Road (28,858). Together, these three areas account for over half of Delhi’s e-rickshaw fleet, reflecting heavy reliance on these vehicles in North and East Delhi. In contrast, affluent neighborhoods such as Vasant Vihar have only 234 e-rickshaws, while South Delhi has 7,806 and Mall Road 8,184. Localities like Janakpuri (26,661), Dwarka (20,223), Rajouri Garden (10,327), Mayur Vihar (9,647), and Surajmal Vihar (8,499) heavily depend on e-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity.

Safety and Regulation Concerns
While e-rickshaws fill a gap in Delhi’s transport network, safety remains a major concern. Many drivers operate without licenses or uniforms and frequently violate traffic rules, putting passengers and pedestrians at risk. Overcrowding is common, with vehicles carrying seven to eight passengers despite being designed for only four. Faulty braking systems and structural limitations make them unstable under such loads.

Minors driving e-rickshaws is another alarming trend. Atul Goyal, President of the United Resident Joint Action Force, said, “Children often treat our streets like playgrounds, performing dangerous maneuvers amid heavy traffic. Despite repeated demands from resident associations, authorities have not taken effective action.”

Fire Hazards During Charging
Illegal charging of e-rickshaws poses additional risks. A former Delhi Fire Service chief noted that poorly managed charging setups have caused multiple fires in residential areas. In June last year, two people died in a fire in Dilshad Garden, East Delhi, triggered by an informal e-rickshaw charging arrangement. Lack of proper charging infrastructure forces drivers to rely on unauthorized sources, sometimes even drawing electricity from their homes.

The government faces the dual challenge of regulating this growing fleet while ensuring public safety, highlighting the need for structured licensing, charging infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of traffic and safety norms.