E-Rickshaw piloting prog launched
City Desk :
Dhaka has officially launched its first piloting programme for e-rickshaws with standardised, design-based safety features in Aftabnagar, marking a new step toward safer and more sustainable urban transport.
The three-wheeled, low-speed, battery-powered and environment-friendly e-rickshaws-specially designed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)-began formal operations on On Saturday, along the route connecting Badda-Rampura Road to Aftabnagar.
The inauguration ceremony was organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and was attended by Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan; Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Sheikh Moinuddin; Special Assistant for Defence and National Solidarity Development Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz; and Special Assistant for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, among others, says a press release.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Mahmudul Hasan were also present. The programme was chaired by Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Division.
Officials said that e-rickshaws had earlier been piloted in Paltan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara in the first phase. With the launch in Aftabnagar, the initiative is now being expanded. Many rickshaw drivers have already received training, while more will be trained before licenses are issued. Licensed drivers will be allowed to purchase battery-powered rickshaws and operate them within designated zones. Authorities will set both fare structures and speed limits.
According to organizers, the new e-rickshaws use 38-volt lithium batteries, enabling them to travel 70-80 kilometres on a single charge. Additional safety and operational features have also been added, increasing drivers’ interest in operating the vehicles after proper training.
Speaking at the inauguration, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan noted that although many vehicles in Dhaka are designed for speeds of 100-120 km/h, the city’s actual average traffic speed is only 6-7 km/h. This mismatch, he said, leads to excessive fuel wastage and loss of time.
“Despite low average speeds, road accidents occur frequently due to disorder and non-compliance with traffic rules,” he said. “Dhaka has limited road space, but disciplined use of existing roads can improve average speed and ensure safer travel. That is why we are introducing BUET-designed e-rickshaws. They are currently being piloted on four routes and will be expanded across the city soon.”
DNCC spokesperson Jobayer Hossain said future decisions would be based on data collected from the pilot project. “If the safety standards prove satisfactory, we will recommend phased expansion of e-rickshaws within the city’s transport system,” he added.
