Vrindavan Today | Special Report
15th March 2026: The unchecked operation of e-rickshaws in Vrindavan is emerging as a major concern for traffic management and urban governance. Official data reveal a stark disparity between registered vehicles and those actually operating on the roads.
According to figures presented in a recent meeting of the High-Powered Committee of Banke Bihari Temple, only about 3,300 e-rickshaws are officially registered, while nearly 22,500 are currently running in the city. This means that more than 19,000 e-rickshaws are operating without registration, raising serious questions about regulation and enforcement.
During the meeting, committee members sought clarification from transport department officials on how such a large number of unregistered vehicles were allowed to operate. However, officials were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Expressing strong displeasure over the situation, High-Powered Committee Chairman Justice Ashok Kumar (Retd.) remarked that a web of uncontrolled e-rickshaw operations has spread across the city. He noted that these vehicles are not only disrupting the traffic system but are also a major cause of congestion at several key points.
“If timely and effective measures are not taken, the situation may become even more serious,” he warned.
The committee also noted that despite the existence of a mandatory registration system, enforcement has been weak, allowing thousands of unregistered e-rickshaws to operate freely. The absence of proper records for such a large number of vehicles has raised concerns about the monitoring mechanism of the administration.
During the discussion, the chairman questioned transport officials on how unregistered e-rickshaws were functioning on such a large scale when registration is mandatory. Dissatisfied with the response, he directed that responsibility in the matter should be fixed. He also instructed that the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) must remain present in the next meeting to clarify the issue.
Congestion Even in Narrow Lanes
E-rickshaws have become a major cause of traffic jams not only on the main roads of Vrindavan but also in its narrow lanes. Although the police have carried out occasional enforcement drives against errant operators, the situation often returns to normal within a few days.
The High-Powered Committee has suggested that a clear and effective policy be formulated to regulate the operation of e-rickshaws in the city. It has also directed authorities to launch a special drive against unregistered vehicles.
Justice Ashok Kumar further stated that a detailed report on the matter will be submitted to the Supreme Court, while the government will also be informed about the significant revenue loss caused by the large number of unregistered vehicles operating in the city.
