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MCD formulates new method to manage cycle-rickshaws

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has formulated a new “scientific” method to manage cycle-rickshaws to eliminate the system of running them on hire basis.

In a statement on Tuesday, Standing Committee Chairman Vijender Gupta said the main objective of the policy was to issue licenses to the owners-cum-rickshaw pullers themselves thereby eliminating the system of giving rickshaws for hire. “To ensure that the license is granted to a bona fide person, documentary proof of residence in the city will be required. The person should be residing in the city for at least one year to ensure that he is aware of traffic rules in the Capital.”

Leader of the House Subhash Arya said the change in policy was required because management of cycle-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaw trolleys and handcarts had deteriorated to a great degree giving rise to large number of unlicensed rickshaws that caused traffic congestion and proved a deterrent to pedestrian movement.

“After implementation of the new policy, each zone would be provided with 50 Home Guards or security professionals for capturing unlicensed rickshaws. A jeep for towing away seized rickshaws will also be allocated,” said Mr. Arya.

The salient features of the new policy are as follows: No rickshaws or handcarts of one zone will be allowed to ply in other zones. However, rickshaws transporting goods will be allowed to ply from one zone to other subject to traffic notifications.

The ceiling on the number of rickshaws in a zone will be strictly related to the rickshaw carrying capacity of the roads in that zone and this capacity will be revised as per requirements from time to time. The civic body will also review in detail the Delhi High Court judgement of banning rickshaws on arterial roads and ensure that the orders and the interest of residents and traders are taken care of. During implementation of the new policy, plying of existing rickshaws will be stopped and preference will be given to the existing rickshaw pullers while issuing new licences. As part of the policy, rickshaw pullers would be required to undergo an annual medical check-up at a government hospital before getting their license renewed. Any unlicensed rickshaw or licensed rickshaw driven by an unlicensed puller will be impounded and scrapped within a week.

The contract for scientific management of cycle-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaw trolleys and handcarts will be awarded to competent agencies on a turn-key basis through open tenders for particular zones for a period of three years. This will be renewed every year and each agency will be allowed to bid for a maximum four groups.

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