As Guwahati grapples with rising congestion, frequent accidents and strained road infrastructure, a growing number of residents say one issue can no longer be overlooked: the unchecked spread of e-rickshaws on city roads.
What began as a convenient last-mile transport option has, for many commuters, turned into a daily source of traffic disruption and safety risk, particularly during peak hours across busy commercial and residential corridors.
E-rickshaws are emerging as a major road safety concern in Guwahati, with residents citing overloading, wrong-side driving and weak enforcement. While intended for last-mile connectivity, the rapid rise of regulated and unregulated e-rickshaws is disrupting traffic flow and increasing accident risks across the city.
A Rapid Rise on Guwahati’s Roads
Over the past few years, Guwahati has witnessed a sharp increase in both registered and unregulated e-rickshaws. They are now a common sight across major junctions, interior lanes and arterial roads.
Commuters say the problem is not the vehicle itself, but the absence of discipline and regulation in how many are allowed to operate and how they are driven.
Common Complaints from Commuters
Residents and daily commuters point to recurring issues:
- Overloading well beyond permitted passenger limits
- Wrong-side driving to save time
- Sudden stops in the middle of the road
- Encroachment into fast-moving lanes
- Operation on roads where e-rickshaws are restricted
These practices, commuters say, slow traffic and increase collision risks, especially for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
Safety Risks on Narrow Roads
Many Guwahati roads were not designed to handle high volumes of mixed traffic. With e-rickshaws competing for space alongside buses, cars, bikes and auto-rickshaws, even minor violations can trigger bottlenecks.
Traffic experts warn that overloaded e-rickshaws are particularly vulnerable to tipping during sudden turns or braking, putting passengers at risk.
Weak Enforcement a Key Issue
While traffic rules governing e-rickshaws exist, residents allege that enforcement remains inconsistent. In several areas, e-rickshaws operate without visible registration numbers, route permits or adherence to lane discipline.
Civic observers say selective enforcement undermines road safety and sends a message that violations carry little consequence.
Impact on Overall Traffic Flow
During peak hours, unregulated e-rickshaw movement often leads to:
- Slower average travel speeds
- Frequent lane blockages
- Increased honking and road rage
- Delays for emergency vehicles
In areas already affected by flyover construction and diversions, the impact is magnified.
What Residents Are Demanding
Commuters and residents across Guwahati are calling for:
- Clear zoning of roads where e-rickshaws are allowed
- Strict action against overloading and wrong-side driving
- Mandatory registration and visible identification
- Better driver training and awareness
They stress that e-rickshaws should remain a last-mile solution, not a replacement for regulated public transport on major roads.
What Happens Next
As Guwahati continues to expand, urban mobility experts say the city must strike a balance between inclusive transport options and road safety. Without tighter regulation, the e-rickshaw issue could worsen congestion rather than ease it.
Authorities are expected to review traffic management strategies as infrastructure projects near completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why are e-rickshaws a concern in Guwahati?
Residents cite overloading, traffic violations and weak enforcement, which disrupt traffic flow and raise accident risks.
Q2. Are e-rickshaws banned in Guwahati?
No. They are permitted in certain areas, but commuters say rules on routes, loading and discipline are poorly enforced.
