The registration process for battery-run auto-rickshaws, also known as e-rickshaws, has officially commenced under a new set of guidelines.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam announced that the registration drive to be initiated from Monday across 13 city corporations in the country.
Under the new regulations, the initial registration fee is Tk8,000 for a two-passenger capacity e-rickshaw and Tk10,000 for a four-passenger capacity vehicle. The annual renewal fees stand at Tk4,000 and Tk 5,000 respectively.
In addition, vehicle owners must pay Tk1,000 for a fitness certificate.
The usable lifespan of an e-rickshaw has been fixed at 12 years from its registration date.
Each registered e-rickshaw is set to receive a QR code-embedded number plate and an information-containing blue book. The state minister also said an extra Tk1,000 will be charged for the number plate.
According to the new rules, no e-rickshaw will be allowed to operate on roads without valid registration and a fitness certificate. These vehicles are strictly prohibited from plying national highways, expressways, and main bus routes.
Additionally, maximum speed limits, passenger capacity, and operational routes will be designated by the authorities.
Every e-rickshaw must fulfill the technical and safety standards. Older e-rickshaws will also be required to obtain approval after making necessary structural modifications.
To regulate e-rickshaw movement in Dhaka’s two city corporation areas, eight zones will be created, with a distinct colour assigned to each zone.
Although the registration process has started, all e-rickshaws will not be removed at once; instead, the registration and the removal of unauthorized vehicles will proceed in phases.
