Battery run rickshaws and auto-rickshaws continue to dominate the capital’s alleys and major thoroughfares unchecked. Lacking specific regulations and a licensing framework, the uncontrolled surge of these three-wheelers has intensified traffic congestion and severely compromised road safety, leading to frequent accidents across the city. Furthermore, thousands of illegal charging points powering these vehicles are leeching power from the national grid, costing the government substantial revenue.
In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), alongside the Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations, has initiated stricter measures to curb accidents and restore order to urban transport.
DRIVE INTENSIFIES AMID RESISTANCE AND POWER CUT-OFFS:
Although the DMP’s Traffic Division routinely seizes and dumps some illegal auto-rickshaws, fully controlling the issue turns to a challenge. Police officials noted that, enforcement teams frequently face obstruction and resistance from local syndicates and drivers during legal drives.
To tackle the root cause, police partnered with the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) to launch drives against illegal charging hubs connected directly to street power lines and distribution points. Authorities have severed numerous illegal connections and confiscated charging equipment, cables and sockets along with several vehicles.
“The traffic division works continuously to control illegal auto-rickshaws, with daily dumping drives across the capital,” said DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Anisur Rahman. “Following government directives, we have intensified our enforcement operations and these drives will continue.”
ZONAL PLAN TO REGULATE THREE-WHEELERS:
To bring order to non-motorized transport, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, in coordination with both city corporations, has drafted a joint action plan to restrict and systematically monitor battery-operated rickshaws.
ZONAL BOUNDARIES:
Dhaka will be split into eight distinct geographical zones. Rickshaws registered to operate in a specific zone will be strictly prohibited from crossing into another.
DIGITAL PLATES AND COLOR CODING:
Each zone will feature a unique color code for its vehicles. Rickshaws will also be fitted with digital number plates containing scannable QR codes, allowing traffic officers to verify driver and owner details instantly.
Solar-Powered Charging Hubs:
To prevent illegal taps into grid power and residential lines, authorities plan to partner with private entrepreneurs to set up eco-friendly solar-powered charging hubs.
Transport experts believe that, setting capacity limits based on road infrastructure and swiftly implementing the digital zonal system will be key to re-establishing traffic discipline on Dhaka’s roads.
