New Delhi, 18 October (H.S.): The Delhi government has proposed capping the total number of e-rickshaws operating in the national capital at 2.5 lakh, citing concerns over traffic congestion, road safety and pollution.

The Delhi Transport Department released the draft Delhi E-Rickshaw (Registration and Operation) Scheme, 2026, on Sunday and invited suggestions from the public within 30 days. The proposed measure is aimed at addressing the growing traffic congestion and accidents associated with the rapid increase in the number of e-rickshaws across the capital.

According to the Transport Department, the proposed cap has been introduced in view of traffic congestion, road safety risks and the unregulated expansion of e-rickshaws. Once the limit is reached, no new registrations or E-Rickshaw Compliance Certificates (ECCs) will be issued. The cap will come into effect after a 90-day window.

Under the draft scheme, no e-rickshaw will be permitted to operate in Delhi without an ECC. The digital certificate will remain valid for two years and contain comprehensive details of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), owner, driver’s licence, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge, battery and fitness status. Each ECC will be valid for only one e-rickshaw and one driver.

The proposal also places restrictions on ownership. An individual will be permitted to own a maximum of five e-rickshaws and must be a resident of Delhi. Companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and cooperative societies, meanwhile, will be allowed to own up to 100 e-rickshaws. Entities operating more than 25 vehicles will be required to obtain an aggregator licence.

The draft scheme prescribes stringent action against unregistered e-rickshaws. Any vehicle found operating without registration will be immediately seized and will not be returned under any circumstances. Such vehicles will be dismantled and auctioned, while their batteries will be sold to recyclers.

E-rickshaws operating without an ECC will be given 15 days to comply with the requirements, failing which they too will face auction.

The Transport Department has clarified that suggestions and objections must be submitted either by email to [schemeconsultation2026@gmail.com](mailto:schemeconsultation2026@gmail.com) or by post to the DTO (Operations), 5/9 Underhill Road, Delhi. No objections will be accepted after the 30-day consultation period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar