Lucknow tackles e-rickshaw safety after abduction incident

Lucknow is facing a serious safety issue as it grapples with an overwhelming number of e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws on its streets. There are nearly 70,000 of these vehicles operating without defined routes or a proper registry of drivers. This situation has created confusion and a lack of regulation, leading to concerns about safety and lawlessness. The issue gained attention after a tragic incident involving a 32-year-old woman. She boarded an auto from the Alambagh bus terminal to visit her brother in Chinhat. Instead of safely reaching her destination, she was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered by the driver. The driver reportedly took her on a detour of 35 kilometers, crossing multiple police jurisdictions. Compounding the tragedy, the vehicle did not have a number plate, making it hard for police to track the driver. Pankaj Dixit, chairman of the Lucknow Auto Rickshaw Three-Wheelers’ Association, highlighted the lack of organization among e-rickshaws. He pointed out that without designated auto stands, it's difficult to manage the growing number of drivers. In the past, attempts were made to regulate drivers by requiring uniforms and creating a color-coded system for e-rickshaws. However, earlier initiatives faced protests and were not successfully implemented. Authorities are now taking steps to address these issues. The district magistrate is working to identify locations for designated auto stands, and a new QR-based identification system is being introduced. This system would allow law enforcement to access details about vehicle owners and drivers, improving safety measures. The municipal commissioner assured that these plans will be put into action soon, as similar measures have already been successful in other cities like Aligarh.