Pune: The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is all set to introduce electronic rickshaws in the city. The department has already announced that anyone can operate e-rickshaws in the city. This was a long-pending issue. The Centre has declared that a permit is not needed to operate the e-rickshaw.
The RTO had asked the city traffic department to identify the routes, on which they can ply. The traffic department has prepared the list of 17 routes, on which the e-rickshaw can ply.
“Plying of e-rickshaws is being considered on select routes. We had asked the traffic department to send the routes’ list, which is yet to come. The traffic department was supposed to come up with a route plan and other aspects of the service, after which the initiative was to be launched,” said Balasaheb Ajari, Regional Transport Officer, Pune RTO.
Last year, some parties had introduced e-rickshaw services in Baner and Balewadi at a nominal fare of Rs 10 to ply for shorter distances.
“For operating e-rickshaws in the city, a permit is not required. The State government has already imposed restrictions under appropriate traffic laws on plying of these vehicles in specific areas or on specific roads,” said Ajari.
According to the city traffic police, they have surveyed the routes and prepared a list, which will be submitted to the RTO soon.
“We have already surveyed the routes and identified 17 routes, where e-rickshaws will be given permission to operate. Most of these roads are on the city’s outskirts, including Baner, Hinjawadi, Katraj, Hadapsar, Pashan and other areas. The report is in the final stage, which we will submit to the RTO soon.”
