E-rickshaws to ply in Gr Noida soon

 A group of over 40 Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Greater Noida has come up with an idea to have their own dedicated free e-rickshaw shuttle service for sectors. The move, which will start from Alpha-I, aims at checking vehicular pollution in the city and also tackling crime.

“The entry of unknown persons in cycle and autorickshaws has been a major reason for the increase in crime such as theft, burglary, chain snatching and harassment against women. The e-rickshaws will be stationed at the entry gate of the RWAs and ferry passengers for free inside sectors,” said Sher Singh Bhati, general secretary of RWA Sector Alpha-I.

The RWAs have said that nearly 4-6 e-rickshaws will stationed in each sector. The RWAs will be bearing the purchase and running cost of these vehicles. 

The service will start in Alpha-I by the year-end. “Initially, we will deploy the vehicles in Sector Alpha-I. If things go well, the service will be extended to other sectors. The idea behind introducing such vehicles is to make the sectors pollution-free and minimise the movement of autorickshaws and commercial vehicles in residential areas,” said Bhati.

Bhati said the move was initiated after a meeting of the RWAs and it was decided that the local administration would be made aware of the scheme. The process will follow guidelines and standards framed by motor authorities and drivers will be appointed after proper verification. Law enforcement agencies will have the details of the vehicles and drivers. 

“We are in the process of finalising a company from which we will purchase the vehicles. Once finalised, we will appoint drivers and arrange other facilities like parking spaces equipped with charging facility and other infrastructure. We will also organise meetings with residents and try to encourage them to use these vehicles instead of other means of transport,” added Bhati.