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The West Bengal government plans to restrict e-rickshaws, locally known as ‘totos’, to designated localities and prevent them from operating on national highways, state highways and other major roads. Transport Minister Arjun Singh said only licensed e-rickshaws manufactured by registered companies in accordance with prescribed guidelines would be permitted to operate in local areas. The move follows complaints received by the Transport Department about unregulated e-rickshaws using major roads, resulting in traffic congestion and safety concerns. The department has also directed police to enforce the existing restrictions. Officials said e-rickshaws are primarily intended to provide last-mile connectivity and are already prohibited from operating on major roads under existing guidelines. The government has also raised concerns over untrained drivers and teenagers operating such vehicles, citing potential risks to passenger and public safety.
The West Bengal government plans to allow only registered and licensed e-rickshaws to operate in local areas while restricting their movement on national highways, state highways and other major roads, Transport Minister Arjun Singh has said.
The proposed enforcement follows complaints received by the state Transport Department regarding e-rickshaws, commonly known as ‘totos’, operating on major roads in violation of existing guidelines. The department said such operations have contributed to traffic congestion and raised concerns over passenger and public safety.
Singh said illegal e-rickshaws would be barred from major roads and highways, while only licensed vehicles manufactured by registered companies in accordance with specified guidelines would be allowed to operate within localities. He also urged citizens and social media content creators to create awareness about the risks associated with e-rickshaws operating on highways.
The minister said unregulated operation of totos had become particularly concerning in adjoining areas and district towns, where their numbers have increased. He also highlighted the risks associated with teenagers and untrained drivers operating such vehicles.
The latest announcement follows a direction issued by the state Transport Department to police on August 7 to strictly enforce restrictions on e-rickshaw operations on highways and other major roads. Transport Department Principal Secretary Ravi Inder Singh said in the communication that e-rickshaws were primarily intended to provide last-mile connectivity and that their operation on major roads was prohibited under existing guidelines.
According to the department, complaints have been received about e-rickshaws operating on national highways, state highways and other major roads despite the restrictions. The government has cited traffic congestion and safety concerns as key reasons for enforcing the rules.
The restrictions are intended to retain e-rickshaws as a last-mile transport option within local areas while keeping them away from high-speed and heavily trafficked road corridors. The move also places greater emphasis on ensuring that vehicles operating in localities are properly licensed and manufactured in compliance with prescribed standards.
The West Bengal Transport Department is responsible for vehicle registration, permits, public transport operations and transport infrastructure within the state.
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