In the absence of government authorisation, the future of E Rickshaws appears to be imperilled, particularly following the introduction of E Autos which not only adhere to stringent emission and safety standards but are also registered with the transport authority and are more durable.
According to Sandeep Rishi, the CEO of Amritsar Smart City Limited (ASCL) and Commissioner of Amritsar Municipal Corporation, E Autos possess commendable eco-friendly and safety-centric attributes.
They navigate through congested streets with ease and are set to play a crucial role in last-mile connectivity within cities.
Of the nearly thirty thousand E Rickshaws plying in the city, only about one thousand are registered. Meanwhile, over ten thousand diesel autos of Kerala, Kranti, and Vikram brands are still running in Amritsar city even after completing their 15-year life period.
“To encourage people to make the shift from diesel autos to E Autos, ASCL is offering a significant incentive of INR 1.25 lakh cash subsidy along with INR 15,000 scrap charges per diesel auto being replaced with an E-Auto. Additionally, hassle-free loans are made available through empanelled banks, and benefits of various State and Central government public welfare schemes are facilitated through a special cell in ASCL.”
While comparing E Autos with E Rickshaws, Sandeep pointed out that the E Rickshaws (‘jugad’) cost anything from INR 90,000 to INR 1.10 lakh, whereas E Autos are priced between INR 2.65 lakh and INR 3.15 lakh.
In the initial phase, ASCL plans to replace 7,000 diesel autos with E Autos, with a long-term goal of having 20,000 E Autos plying in the city.
To ensure that no one suffers a loss of livelihood due to an impending enforcement drive, ASCL has appealed to the owners of fifteen-year-old diesel autos to switch to E Autos as soon as possible. This can be done under the “Rejuvenation of Auto-Rickshaws in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention (RAAHI)” scheme, which offers better living and financial support.
Sandeep further said the shift to E Autos not only benefits the environment but also provides an alternative source of income for households. Under the scheme, free skills training is offered to female family members of E-Auto drivers, enabling them to contribute to the overall income of the household.
