Following a successful implementation of the zone segregation policy for e-rickshaws within the historic Walled City, the district administration in Jaipur is now encountering significant hurdles in expanding this initiative across the broader urban landscape. The ambitious plan to regulate and organize e-rickshaw operations through designated zones has hit a major snag due to lackluster participation from vehicle owners and drivers.
Poor Response Forces Administrative Delay
The traffic department recently opened applications for e-rickshaw owners and drivers to secure allocations in three additional zones, but the response has been disappointingly low. This tepid reception has compelled the traffic wing of the Jaipur Commissionerate to postpone both the planned lottery draw and the scheduled implementation date, creating uncertainty around the policy's citywide rollout.
Zone-Wise Application Shortfalls Revealed
A traffic official provided detailed breakdowns of the application gaps. For zone one, which covers central Jaipur areas, authorities proposed allotting 2,000 e-rickshaws but received only 485 applications. Zone five, encompassing northern Jaipur regions, saw a proposed allotment of 6,250 vehicles with merely 703 applications submitted. Zone six, covering the stretch between Sanjay Circle and Jaipur Junction Railway Station, had a modest proposed allotment of 250 e-rickshaws but attracted only 218 applications.
The official stated, "Although the notification allotted 8,250 e-rickshaws for these three zones combined, we have received only 1,406 applications total. We extended the application deadline to February 3, and the lottery will now be conducted on February 5."
Administrative Contingency Plans
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sumeet Meharda addressed the situation, indicating that if sufficient applications aren't received by the extended February 3 deadline, officials will proceed with verifying the existing applications and allotting e-rickshaws accordingly. This contingency approach suggests the administration remains committed to moving forward with the zone expansion, albeit potentially with reduced participation.
The current challenges highlight the complexities of scaling localized policies to citywide implementation. While the Walled City zone segregation demonstrated initial success, replicating this model across Jaipur's diverse neighborhoods requires addressing driver concerns, economic considerations, and logistical realities that may be hindering broader adoption.
