Authorities in Dhaka are moving to bring battery-run rickshaws under a structured regulatory framework, introducing a zone-based movement system aimed at reducing traffic congestion and restoring discipline on city roads. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam said the capital would be divided into several zones, allowing rickshaws to operate primarily within their designated areas.
Abdus Salam stated, "Rickshaws from one area will not be allowed to move freely into another. Depending on requirements, restrictions may also be imposed based on specific days and roads." The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the growing number of battery-run rickshaws operating without adequate regulation, many of which frequently violate traffic rules and contribute to congestion.
The DSCC administrator emphasized the need for a formal registration and licensing system for rickshaws, stating that effective management is impossible without identifying and regulating vehicles and their operators. He pointed to the increasing influx of people into Dhaka following natural disasters, many of whom take up rickshaw driving as a means of livelihood.
Abdus Salam stressed that unplanned migration is placing additional pressure on the capital’s already strained infrastructure. He gave an example of the proposed zoning system, saying, "A rickshaw from Demra will not be allowed to go to New Market. We will divide the city into zones and may assign specific days and roads for their movement. Some roads may be completely restricted to them."
No rickshaw would be allowed to operate in Dhaka without a valid license, and those entering from areas like Keraniganj or moving across the river from Demra would face restrictions. Similarly, rickshaws operating under the Dhaka North City Corporation would not be allowed to move indiscriminately into DSCC areas. "We want to bring the entire system under a proper framework," he said.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the government is preparing a policy to regulate battery-run and electric rickshaws across city corporations, municipalities, upazilas, and union parishads. "If implemented effectively, the policy will help control traffic congestion, bring discipline to road movement, and improve road safety," he added.
