Four-wheeled auto rickshaws hit Delhi roads

Travelling in a three-wheeled autorickshaw may soon become ‘outdated’ in Delhi with four-wheeled auto rickshaws making a entry in the national capital.

‘We have introduced four-wheeled auto rickshaws in Delhi. For the trial run, we have given three-four permits for operation of such four-wheeled auto rickshaws. The new rickshaw will be a three-seater like the three-wheeled auto rickshaw,’ said a senior official of the transport department. The four-wheeled auto rickshaws have been kept under the same category as the existing three-wheeled auto rickshaws. ‘The colour of the new auto rickshaw will also be the same as the three-wheeled rickshaws,’ he said. 

In 2011, the Supreme Court had relaxed the cap on auto rickshaws from 55,000 to 1 lakh. At present, there are around 85,000 autos plying in the national capital. ‘As per apex court’s direction, we have to run one lakh auto rickshaws in Delhi,’ he said.

‘The introduction of four-wheeled rickshaws will not only encourage healthy competition among auto rickshaw drivers but also provide a hassle-free mode of transport for auto users. The increase in the number of autos on the roads will be able to meet the demands of the public,’ the official said.

The Delhi Auto rickshaw Sangh has protested the government’s move to introduce four-wheeled auto rickshaw in the national.

‘The operation of four-wheeled auto rickshaw will not be a success in Delhi. The earnings of taxis and three-wheeled auto rickshaw will also be hit due to the new vehicles,’ said Rajendera Soni, 

General Secretary of Delhi Auto rickshaw Sangh.