Power Theft Fuels Delhi’s E-Rickshaw Boom, At a Cost of ₹120 Crore

Delhi’s e-rickshaw sector is grappling with widespread electricity theft, with reports indicating that 60% of e-rickshaws are charged using stolen electricity. This illegal practice is causing an estimated ₹120 crore in annual losses for power companies.

Many e-rickshaw drivers rely on unauthorized charging points, often set up in shops, parking lots, or even residential buildings, leading to frequent fire hazards. The lack of dedicated charging infrastructure has forced drivers to seek alternative, often unsafe, charging methods.

Authorities are under pressure to crack down on illegal charging hubs and establish regulated fast-charging stations to curb theft and improve safety.

How this issue ties into Delhi’s clean-energy policies?

Delhi’s clean-energy push is at odds with the widespread electricity theft fueling its e-rickshaw sector. While e-rickshaws were introduced as a green alternative to fossil-fuel-powered transport, their reliance on illegal charging networks undermines the city’s sustainability goals.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has set a special tariff of ₹4.50 per unit to encourage legal charging. However, with over 60% of e-rickshaws tapping into stolen power, the city faces ₹120 crore in annual losses. This not only strains the grid but also increases fire hazards, as many illegal charging points operate without safety measures.

Experts argue that dedicated fast-charging stations and strict enforcement are crucial to aligning e-rickshaw operations with Delhi’s clean-energy vision. Without intervention, the sector risks becoming a liability rather than an asset in the city’s transition to sustainable transport.

High Court Cancels Ban on Registration of Electric Autos & Rickshaws in Agra and Mathura

The Allahabad High Court has delivered an important ruling regarding e-rickshaws and e-autos in Agra and Mathura. Amid the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the court has canceled the notification that imposed a ban on the registration of e-rickshaws in these two districts.

This decision comes as a relief to 105 e-rickshaw dealers in the region. The court clarified that the transport officer does not have the authority to prohibit e-rickshaw registration based on traffic control grounds; they can enforce traffic restrictions but cannot halt registrations.

The order was issued in response to a petition filed by six auto agencies, including Shri Vrindavan Auto Sales in Mathura. The court emphasized that the government's ban on e-rickshaw and e-auto registration violated constitutional provisions and traffic rules. This ruling is significant for the transportation system in Agra and Mathura, where more than 105 e-rickshaw dealers operate.

The petitioners said that the government does not have the right to restrict registration under Rule 178 of the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicle Rules. This is a violation of Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.

The initial ban on e-rickshaws in Agra and Mathura was based on traffic control grounds. The Assistant Regional Transport Officer Mathura and Agra banned the registration of e-auto, e-rickshaw through notifications dated November 7, 2023 and January 8, 2024.

The state government filed an affidavit stating that CNG autos including e-rickshaws and e-autos do not follow traffic rules. The number of e-autos and e-rickshaws is more than required and is causing traffic problems. In Mathura city alone, 14748 e-rickshaws, 12346 CNG three- wheeler rickshaws and 695 e-autos are running. There are more than 105 e rickshaw dealers. Keeping in view the traffic system of Mathura and Agra, the restriction has been imposed in public interest.

However, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the transport officer does not have the authority to prohibit e-rickshaw registration solely for traffic reasons. While traffic restrictions can be enforced, banning registrations altogether was deemed unconstitutional and against traffic rules. This decision comes as a relief to e-rickshaw dealers in the region, who can now continue their operations without hindrance.