Auto-Rickshaws to Face Digital Registration System

The government has decided to bring battery-powered auto-rickshaws under digital registration and structured management rather than banning them completely, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Monday (September 07). He shared the update in Parliament while responding to an urgent notice from reserved seat MP Rehana Akter Ranu during the third parliamentary session.

"The government has decided to bring battery auto-rickshaws under a structured digital registration system without shutting them down completely," the Home Minister stated. "QR codes and digital tracking systems will be introduced for every auto-rickshaw, alongside strict conditions regarding eco-friendly battery usage. The new policy will be implemented while preserving drivers' livelihoods."

The Home Minister revealed that an estimated 5.0 to 8.0 million electric three-wheelers consume roughly 5 percent of national electricity output. However, only 3,300 authorized charging stations exist nationwide, compared to nearly 48,000 informal and illegal charging points in Dhaka alone. Illegal power connections result in an annual revenue loss of approximately BDT 4,000 crore. He added that lead-acid battery usage, uncontrolled growth, and improper recycling pose environmental and traffic safety concerns.

MP Rehana Akter Ranu highlighted that despite having 50 AI-enabled traffic cameras across 17 signals in Dhaka, automated fines cannot be issued due to missing license plates. She proposed issuing driver licenses, offering training, and restricting auto-rickshaws to inner roads rather than main thoroughfares.

Responding to her points, the Minister assured, "The upcoming policy will mandate digital registration, QR codes, and tracking mechanisms for each vehicle to prevent operating multiple illegal vehicles under a single number. Drives against main road intrusions and illegal charging setups will continue."
//DBTech/KKO/SME/MOP//