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Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Low speed limit key in draft regulations for e-rickshaws
New Delhi: The Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing stricter regulations for e-rickshaws and e-carts, including a mandatory fitness certificate, similar to other transport vehicles, and a cap on speed limit to 25 km per hour from the existing 30kph. Low speed limit key in draft regulations for e-rickshaws The draft notification published on July 22 proposes enacting these regulations by modifying the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The ministry has sought comments and feedback from the public on the draft rules till August 22. The rules also mandate all e-rickshaws and e-carts to be equipped with lithium-ion battery packs that meet the performance requirements outlined in AIS-156 as updated from time to draft rules propose that all e-rickshaws and e-carts must comply with updated construction and safety standards. 'On and after 1st April 2026, all manufacturers of Erickshaw and E-cart, as part of the type approval procedure, shall undergo an audit of their manufacturing facilities and process, to establish quality control. The audit shall be done by the test agency, undertaking the type approval process of E-rickshaw and E-cart,' the draft read. They will be subjected to audits of their manufacturing facilities and processes from April 1, 2026. However, manufacturers with International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification or equivalent will be exempt from this audit process and will only have to comply with document verification, according to the draft notification. Currently, e-rickshaws, unlike conventional autorickshaws, do not require to be registered as a motorised vehicle in many Indian states and were exempt from Motor Vehicles Act provisions until 2015. Presently due to lack of adequate regulatory framework, vehicles often run of lead-acid batteries which pose a fire safety risk. The proposed regulations, aimed at enhancing safety and standardising manufacturing processes, come at a time when Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has been publicly speaking about safety and longevity issues involving e-rickshaws, which have become a ubiquitous last-mile connectivity option in rural and urban areas alike. The number of e-rickshaws are estimated to be 1.81 million in number across India till November 2024, according to a WRI-India report based on the government's Vahan database. Reacting to this draft notification, Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation, said e-rickshaws form the backbone of last-mile transport but often operate without adequate safety oversight. 'Given their structural vulnerabilities and the high exposure of passengers, instituting basic fitness standards is essential,' he said. Tewari added that reducing the speed limit from 30 km/h to 25 km/h is a prudent move. 'Even minor speed reductions can significantly lower crash severity, particularly in dense urban environments,' he said.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
NGO implements safety measures on 15 high-risk spots on Mumbai-Pune highway
Mumbai: To reduce accident risk and increase safety on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, SaveLIFE Foundation, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC), the Maharashtra Highway Police and the Highways Infrastructure Trust, initiated implementation of road safety measures on May 7. The measures are to be implemented at 15 fatality-prone locations along the section of NH-48 (Old Mumbai- Pune Highway). The initiative is part of SaveLIFE's Zero Fatality Corridor project that was started in 2018 for enhancing road engineering and emergency response to tackle the root causes of accidents and fatalities. According to Highway police statistics, Mumbai-Pune highway witnessed 88 fatalities in 2024. A detailed assessment of road conditions was conducted through a combination of field surveys and data analysis by SaveLife Foundation. They identified high-risk or critical locations that pose a threat of road crashes or unsafe traffic behaviour. Following the analysis, targeted road engineering solutions known as safety treatments, were rolled out to tackle the root causes of accidents and crashes. These include better signage, speed-calming measures, improved visibility, safer infrastructure for pedestrians and redesigned junctions aimed at preventing collisions and saving lives. Dr Zafar Khan, executive director and joint CEO of Highways Infrastructure Trust said, 'Maharashtra recorded over 15,000 road crash fatalities last year, the majority of them on highways—a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic interventions.' He further added that as part of our commitment to safer roads for all, Highways Infrastructure Trust has partnered with SaveLIFE Foundation to implement targeted safety measures along a high-risk stretch of the Old Mumbai- Pune Highway. 'Together, we are introducing speed-calming measures, improving pedestrian crossing visibility, and reinforcing lane discipline, with an aim to reduce fatalities on the corridor by 20 to 30 percent over the coming years. We believe that road safety must be engineered by design and are confident that this collaborative model will deliver measurable, replicable impact,' he said. The Highway police also took enforcement measures to improve compliance with traffic laws by preventing violations and encouraging safer road user behaviour. Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, said: 'This initiative demonstrates what is possible when data, engineering, and strong partnerships come together for road safety. We are grateful to the MSRDC, Maharashtra Highway Police and Highways Infrastructure Trust for helping us implement life-saving solutions on one of Maharashtra's busiest highways.'
