Local authorities earlier this week banned two-seater e-rickshaws in areas around the University Enclave. The ban has been implemented due to an absence of number plates.
Earlier this week, local authorities imposed a ban on two-seater e-rickshaws in the University Enclave and surrounding areas, citing the absence of number plates. For people residing in Vijay Nagar, touted as the student hub of Delhi University’s North Campus, the ban came as a massive surprise and nuisance for the residents in the early hours of Monday. The students were faced with inflated fares or waiting for four-seater rickshaws due to a shortage of transportation options.
Walking helps save money, but sometimes I just don’t have the privilege of time to walk to any place. So, unfortunately, I have to shell out the extra cash, which has become a burden on my pocket,
said Krithartha, a second-year student living in Vijaynagar, about his struggles as an outstation student managing this fare hike.
In conversation with DU Beat, Aslesha, a second-year student living in Kamla Nagar said,
The hike is bad, of course, and considering student areas are getting more expensive day by day, a hike in transport will severely lead to problems for students. Since there are no regulations on the hike, we do not know how far it might rise.
Students were understandably left upset due to the increased financial load due to a reduction in transportation choices for students who mainly come from middle-class backgrounds. However, the ban has affected people from all walks of life. A resident of Shakti Nagar commented,
Having lived here in this locality for over 20 years, something like this has never happened before. I have been facing issues running errands and travelling shorter distances.
There was a general feeling of anger amongst the residents. They question as to why the government has to wait for these things to go overboard before taking action and causing nuisance in their lives. The rickshaw pullers have been affected the most by the ban. Many lost their livelihoods out of the blue, given the abrupt nature of the ban. While speaking to DU Beat, one of the affected rickshaw pullers had to say opened up about the entire fiasco,
We had no choice but to hike up the price due to the abrupt nature of the ban, many of us had our e-rickshaws confiscated, and pulling a traditional rickshaw takes a massive toll on our bodies.
The loss of livelihood, the increased workload, and shortage of transport options have naturally made these Rickshaw pullers feel justified in their actions. The police, on the other hand, deny the abrupt nature of it all and tell a totally different tale. In conversation with DU Beat, a police officer from the area said,
Do not fall for what these Rickshaw pullers tell you. The ban has been in place forever, it might just be a case of stricter implementation in recent days.
While the repercussions have been felt throughout, one section perhaps might suffer more than most – the women. Delhi, to no one’s surprise, is unsafe for women and has been for many years. It is especially during the night hours, when most are returning from work or their colleges. The lack of transportation options only makes them more vulnerable.
Going via auto – rickshaws can be weird at times, with the driver often trying too hard to persuade you into his ride. The guys that you often end up sharing seats with try to sit closer to you, even when there are empty seats,
shared Mrigakshi, a student from Vijay Nagar, on her experiences in autos, often shared with a bunch of men.
Women have already had horrible experiences, particularly late at night, and the reduction in the number of transportation choices at their disposal or the ease of access to them only worsens the case. The recent rickshaw ban in areas like Vijay Nagar and Shakti Nagar might seem minor on the surface but have broader implications for almost everyone involved, some at risk of a loss of livelihood whilst others being put in precarious situations.
Read Also: https://dubeat.com/2016/04/29/the-e-rickshaw-phenomenon-in-north-campus/
Featured Image Credits: Vanya for DU Beat
Yash Raj
