Jaipur E-Rickshaw Drivers Rally Against Traffic Zone Restrictions
E-rickshaw associations in Jaipur are staging a strong protest. They oppose the traffic wing's plan to enforce a zone segregation policy starting this Wednesday. This policy aims to fix specific routes and limit the number of e-rickshaws operating within the historic Walled City area.
Memorandum Submitted to Traffic Authorities
Members of these associations, led by Adarsh Nagar MLA Rafeek Khan, took action on Monday. They presented a formal memorandum to ACP Traffic Yogesh Dadhich. In it, they clearly expressed their concerns and outright opposition to the proposed restrictions.
Narendra Pal Singh, president of the Jaipur e-rickshaw association, made a public statement. "We have asked them to postpone the plan of zone segregation," he said. "We have lodged a petition against this policy in the high court. We have requested the traffic department to give us time until the court provides any direction."
Driver Voices Concerns Over Representation
An anonymous e-rickshaw driver shared a critical perspective. The driver claimed that neither the association leaders nor the administration truly care about the drivers' welfare. According to this source, most association members are actually owners of e-rickshaw showrooms, not drivers themselves.
The driver also pointed to political motives behind the protests. "Even political leaders have their own intentions," the driver added. "The zone segregation policy was decided during the time of the Congress government. At that time, BJP leaders promised to stop this policy if they came to power. Now the BJP government wants to implement it, and a Congress MLA is protesting."
Policy Implementation and Official Response
The traffic wing of the Jaipur police has already begun enforcing the new rules. Since Sunday, January 18th, the zone segregation policy has been active inside the Walled City. This area is one of six zones designated for operation under the new system.
Under the current policy, only 250 e-rickshaws are permitted to move inside the Walled City. These vehicles must operate on five specific, pre-determined routes.
DCP Traffic Sumeet Meharda addressed the associations' concerns. He stated that authorities have engaged with the protesters. "We have convinced them that soon we are going to roll out the policy for other proposed zones," Meharda said. "All registered e-rickshaws will be accommodated under the new system."
The situation remains tense as drivers await further developments from both the court and the traffic department.
