In a significant move to bring order to the city's ubiquitous electric three-wheelers, top officials in Kanpur have decided to implement a simplified colour-code system for e-rickshaws and e-autos. This decision emerged from a high-level meeting aimed at making their operation more disciplined and organised.
High-Level Meeting Charts New Course
A crucial meeting was held on Wednesday at the Police Office auditorium, chaired by the Police Commissioner of Kanpur Nagar, the Municipal Commissioner, and the Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order). The primary agenda was the organised and controlled operation of e-rickshaws and e-autos across the city.
The gathering saw participation from key officials including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), all zonal DCPs, Assistant Commissioners of Police, officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) department, and other concerned administrative officers. This underscores the multi-departmental approach being adopted.
Consensus on Simplified Colour-Code Routes
The new regulatory framework builds on a consensus reached just a day earlier. On Tuesday, a seminar was organised at the Traffic Building with representatives from various trade associations, Udyog Bandhu, and office-bearers of the E-rickshaw/E-auto Welfare Association.
During this seminar, stakeholders agreed to simplify the existing complex route network. The previously implemented 40-route system will be consolidated into just 4 major routes, each identified by a distinct colour code. This simplification is expected to make compliance easier for drivers and enforcement more straightforward for authorities.
Joint Campaigns for Strict Enforcement
To ensure the effective implementation of this new system, a series of coordinated actions have been planned. The authorities have decided to conduct joint campaigns through the coordination of the Municipal Corporation, the RTO, and the Police Department.
These campaigns will focus on several critical areas:
- Stand Determination: Formally designating and managing parking and pickup stands.
- Registration & Fitness: Ensuring all vehicles are properly registered and undergo mandatory fitness testing.
- Traffic Rule Enforcement: Taking strict action against violations of traffic rules to improve road safety.
The Police Commissioner provided necessary directions to the concerned officers to execute these plans effectively. This unified effort signals a serious intent to regulate the sector, which is vital for last-mile connectivity but has often been associated with traffic chaos and safety concerns.
The move is seen as a major step towards integrating e-rickshaws into Kanpur's formal transport ecosystem while ensuring they operate in a safe, orderly, and accountable manner.
