Bengaluru's infamous traffic congestion might soon find an unexpected solution emerging from its own streets. A novel proposal aims to leverage the city's vast fleet of autorickshaws for dual purposes, potentially transforming urban logistics while tackling gridlock.
The Core Concept: Mobilizing Idle Capacity
The innovative plan focuses on utilizing the spare capacity of Bengaluru's autorickshaws when they are not carrying passengers. Lakshmi Ramamurthy, in an opinion piece published on 17 November 2025, argued that this approach could significantly optimize urban resource usage. Instead of adding more vehicles to the already crowded roads, the city can make smarter use of existing transport infrastructure.
Thousands of autorickshaws traverse the city daily, often returning empty after dropping off passengers or waiting idly for their next fare. This represents a massive untapped potential for moving goods alongside people, creating a more efficient urban ecosystem.
Transforming Bengaluru into a Logistics Hub
The implementation of dual-use autorickshaws could position Bengaluru as a pioneer in sustainable urban logistics. By carrying small parcels and documents during off-peak hours or between passenger trips, these three-wheelers can address multiple urban challenges simultaneously.
The benefits of this system include:
- Reduced traffic congestion by decreasing the number of dedicated delivery vehicles on the road
- Lower carbon emissions through optimized vehicle usage and fewer trips
- Increased earnings for autorickshaw drivers through additional revenue streams
- Faster last-mile delivery services for e-commerce and local businesses
This model represents a shift toward a more inclusive urban transport framework where existing resources serve multiple community needs.
The Road Ahead for Bengaluru's Mobility
For this vision to become reality, several elements need alignment. Regulatory frameworks must adapt to accommodate dual-use vehicles, while technology platforms would be essential for matching delivery demands with available autorickshaw capacity. Driver training and appropriate vehicle modifications would also play crucial roles in successful implementation.
The proposal comes at a critical time when Bengaluru continues to grapple with severe traffic issues that affect both economic productivity and quality of life. This dual-use autorickshaw model offers a practical, immediately available solution that requires minimal new infrastructure investment.
If successfully implemented, Bengaluru could set a national precedent for how Indian cities can creatively solve transportation challenges using existing resources rather than waiting for large-scale infrastructure projects. The city's transformation into a greener, faster, and more inclusive logistics hub might just ride on three wheels.
