The escalating presence of e-rickshaws on key roads in New Friends Colony, particularly Sujan Mohindra Road (‘D’ Block NFC), C.V. Raman Marg, and the stretch from Gurudwara Sahib Road to Ashoka Park extending to Zakir Nagar, has significantly worsened traffic congestion and compromised safety for residents and commuters. This situation persists despite explicit Public Works Department (PWD) signage prohibiting their entry.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
E-rickshaws are primarily permitted on secondary and tertiary roads to facilitate last-mile connectivity. However, their operation is subject to specific regulations to ensure public safety and traffic management. In 2014, the Delhi High Court declared the plying of e-rickshaws on city roads as unauthorized and illegal, citing safety concerns for other traffic and citizens. The court emphasized that it could not issue directives to legalize what is prohibited by existing laws.
Subsequently, the Delhi government issued a notification banning the plying and parking of e-rickshaws on 236 roads across the city, including 77 roads in New Delhi and 38 in South Delhi, to regulate their movement and ensure public safety.
Traffic Management Interventions
In an effort to alleviate congestion, authorities have implemented measures such as designating the stretch connecting Sujan Mohinder Road to Mathura Road, via the New Friends Colony police station, as a one-way route for all vehicles. This directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in November 2024, aims to improve traffic flow in the area. To ensure compliance and inform commuters, road-owning and maintenance agencies were instructed to install proper signboards along the affected stretch. The regulation of traffic on this lane is essential to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles while prioritizing the convenience and safety of all road users.
Resident Concerns and Enforcement Challenges
Despite these regulations and interventions, enforcement remains a significant challenge. The massive presence of e-rickshaws, operating in violation of norms, has made life difficult for residents, leading to frequent accidents and traffic jams. The absence of traffic police personnel at key locations exacerbates the issue, leaving residents and commuters to face daily chaos.
Additionally, the routine congestion near the Government School on C.V. Raman Marg during recess hours, as well as on Sujan Mohindra Road, has raised concerns among residents. The lack of an action plan from the Traffic Police to address these bottlenecks demands immediate and sustainable solutions.
Call to Action
Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort between the Delhi Transport Department, local law enforcement, and the community to ensure that e-rickshaws operate within the legal framework, thereby safeguarding the interests and safety of all road users. Strict enforcement of existing regulations, regular patrolling by traffic authorities, and awareness campaigns to educate e-rickshaw operators about designated routes and restrictions are essential steps toward alleviating the current challenges.
