3 weeks ago
West Bengal: only registered e-rickshaws in localities, not highways
Some electric three-wheeler vehicles, called 'totos', drive on big roads and highways.
Many are driven by teenagers or people who have not been trained to drive them.
This can be dangerous for passengers and for other people on the road.
The government of West Bengal decided to stop unlicensed totos from driving on highways and major roads.
Only registered e-rickshaws made by approved companies will be allowed to drive.
These registered vehicles can still drive inside localities and neighborhoods.
E-rickshaws were made to help people travel short distances, like last-mile trips.
The transport department received many complaints about traffic jams and safety problems.
So the minister asked police and everyone to spread awareness about the danger.
This rule is meant to keep roads safer for everyone.
West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said the government will clamp down on illegal e-rickshaws, known as 'totos', on major roads and highways.
Only licensed e-rickshaws manufactured by registered companies in accordance with specified guidelines will be allowed to operate in localities.
Singh warned that unregulated operation of totos, particularly by teenagers and untrained drivers, poses a serious threat to passenger and public safety.
A transport department letter to police on August 7 stated e-rickshaws are meant for 'last-mile connectivity' and their operation on major roads is prohibited.
The department received complaints about e-rickshaws on national and state highways causing traffic congestion and raising safety concerns.
- Who
- West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh and the state transport department, including Principal Secretary Ravi Inder Singh
- What
- Government to ban unlicensed e-rickshaws ('totos') on highways and major roads, allowing only registered e-rickshaws to operate in localities
- Where
- West Bengal, including Kolkata and adjoining areas and district towns
- When
- Announced on Sunday, August 10, following a department letter to police on August 7
- Why
- Safety risks from unregulated operation by teenagers and untrained drivers, alongside traffic congestion and complaints on major roads
Key facts
- Announcement
- Ban on illegal e-rickshaws (totos) on major roads and highways
- Minister
- Arjun Singh, West Bengal Transport Minister
- Allowed operation
- Only licensed e-rickshaws from registered companies, in localities
- Announcement date
- Sunday, August 10
- Police directive date
- August 7, from Transport Department Principal Secretary Ravi Inder Singh
- Reason
- Safety threats, traffic congestion, and complaints on national and state highways
- Kolkata status
- Toto plying already banned in Kolkata
Quotes
Arjun Singh
West Bengal Transport Minister
“"While plying of totos is banned in Kolkata, in adjoining areas and district towns these vehicles have multiplied, posing a threat to passengers and overall public security."”
theprint.in
“"We ask everyone, including social media content creators, to build public opinion about the inherent danger in the plying of such vehicles on highways."”
theprint.in




