The Allahabad High Court has given the Uttar Pradesh government four weeks to decide whether new e-rickshaw registrations should be restricted in Lucknow and other cities facing traffic congestion due to excessive numbers of these vehicles.
A Division Bench of Justice Alok Mathur and Justice A K Chaudhary, sitting at Lucknow, issued the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Suraj Singh Visen. The Court was informed that approximately 1.33 lakh e-rickshaws operate in Lucknow, adding considerably to traffic congestion.
The Bench directed the state government to examine the feasibility of limiting fresh registrations under the Motor Vehicles Act in areas where the number of e-rickshaws exceeds requirements.
Existing Traffic Restrictions Must Be Enforced
The Court also addressed the implementation of restrictions already imposed on e-rickshaw movement in Lucknow.
It noted that an order dated May 12, 2022, prohibits these vehicles from operating on certain roads, but enforcement has remained inadequate.
The Bench directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure effective implementation of the existing restrictions and assess whether similar measures could be introduced in additional areas.
However, it emphasised that authorities must provide alternative routes wherever e-rickshaw movement is restricted to prevent inconvenience to commuters.
Referring to Rule 178 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998, the Court recognised the state government’s authority to regulate e-rickshaw movement.
It further clarified that the Central government’s exemption from registration fees does not remove the legal obligation to register e-rickshaws before operating them on public roads.
IIT-BHU to Study Traffic Congestion in Lucknow
The proceedings also covered persistent traffic problems at Kamta crossing and along the Polytechnic-Kamta-Chinhat corridor.
The Bench called for a permanent solution to congestion in these areas and was informed that the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, would undertake an independent technical assessment.
The proposed exercise will examine multidirectional traffic movement, include traffic simulation studies and develop technical and financial proposals for a suitable traffic management plan.
The Court also reviewed proposals from a committee constituted in connection with the PIL and measures being implemented by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
It instructed the departments concerned to work together on improving traffic conditions and coordinating measures along the affected routes.
The Bench directed the authorities to file a compliance report detailing the steps taken. The matter will be heard next on December 9.
