Battery-powered rickshaws are now a common sight on the streets of Dhaka. Once seen only in the alleys of neighborhoods, they are now being plied on the main roads of the city. There is a mixed reaction to the presence of this vehicle in the public mind. Some see it as a comfortable and modern part of city life, while others consider it a threat to urban order. But the reality is that this vehicle is now a reality and both its effectiveness and limitations need to be taken into serious consideration. In this article, we will discuss in detail the usefulness of battery-powered rickshaws, the problems caused by it, possible solutions, and the process if it has to be completely stopped.
First, let’s see why battery-powered rickshaws have become so popular so quickly. Millions of people travel short distances in Dhaka every day. There has been a long-standing lack of reliable and affordable vehicles for this transportation. Driving a regular rickshaw requires more physical labor and it is difficult for the driver to earn money by driving it alone. However, driving a battery-powered rickshaw puts less strain on the body, so many elderly or physically weak people can also drive it. With the help of batteries, it is possible to transport more passengers in less time, which also increases the income potential of the drivers. For these reasons, it quickly became popular with the drivers.
It also has some advantages from the passenger side. However, behind the advantages, there are some serious problems, which have now turned the battery-powered rickshaw into a complex challenge for urban transportation. Mainly, this vehicle has grown completely uncontrolled. It had no legal policy, there was no registration process, and the drivers did not need any license. As a result, anyone who wanted to started driving this vehicle. In many cases, the steering of this vehicle has also passed into the hands of minor teenagers. They drive rickshaws at reckless speeds on the road, which increases the risk of accidents. Not only that, but there are also various defects in the design of these vehicles. Their braking system is not working properly, carrying excess passengers, poor battery quality, and even fires while charging are not new these days.
Then comes the question of traffic management. Rickshaws are basically slow-moving vehicles, but since the speed of battery-powered rickshaws is higher than that of ordinary rickshaws, they have emerged as a kind of ‘mid-speed vehicle’. As a result, they clash with fast-moving vehicles and also create obstacles in the way of slow-moving vehicles. Disobeying signals, driving in the opposite direction, and randomly standing on the road to pick and drop passengers have become a major cause of traffic jams. The most alarming thing is that even the city authorities or the traffic department often do not know exactly how many battery-powered rickshaws are plying in the city. Estimates suggest that more than three lakh battery-powered rickshaws are plying in Dhaka, most of which are running illegally. They are plying on the city roads every day without any documents.
In this context, some are saying that this vehicle should be completely banned. If this decision is taken, then a clear government directive is first needed. The directive should ban the operation of all battery-powered rickshaws within a specified period. But it should not be limited to bans alone. We should also think about the rehabilitation of drivers. Many people depend on this vehicle for their livelihood. If we just ban them without providing them with alternative employment, it can create social unrest. For this, they can be linked to other professions through various skill-based training. For example, someone can become a light vehicle driver, someone can join the retail business or can be engaged in other professions under other government programs.
On the other hand, if it is decided that battery-powered rickshaws will be brought under control without completely stopping them, then a complete and up-to-date policy is needed for it. First, the validity of these vehicles must be ensured through registration. Each battery-powered rickshaw must have a unique number and that number will be stored in the central database. Second, the driver’s license must be made mandatory. To get a license, drivers will have to undergo specific training, which will include traffic laws, accident prevention, passenger safety, etc. Third, it must be determined in which areas of the city these vehicles can operate. It cannot be operated on main roads. Only residential areas, school-office-centric alleys, and roads adjacent to markets can be allowed to operate on a limited basis.
Technology will also have to be used to control the speed of rickshaws. A system can be introduced that will automatically stop the rickshaw if it exceeds the prescribed speed by connecting GPS and speed governors. Digital signboards can be installed to determine where these vehicles can be operated in the city, so that both drivers and passengers know what the rules are. In addition, a regular monitoring team will have to be formed, who will check the rickshaws at least once a week and take immediate action against illegal or rule-breaking vehicles.
Another important aspect is charging stations. The way illegal charging points have been set up in front of the balconies of houses or shops is very dangerous. Not only is electricity being stolen, but the risk of fire is also increasing. Therefore, government-designated charging stations must be created, where batteries will be charged in a safe and environmentally friendly way. These charging points should be equipped with quality batteries.
