Battery-powered rickshaws to operate within designated zones in Dhaka: DSCC

Battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka may soon be restricted to designated zones under a new regulatory plan being prepared by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Under the proposed system, the capital would be divided into several zones, with rickshaws registered to a particular zone allowed to operate only within that area. The move is aimed at curbing unregulated rickshaw movement, wrong-way driving and traffic violations that contribute to congestion across the city.

DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam said unregulated rickshaw movement has become a major factor behind worsening traffic congestion. Authorities may also impose restrictions on specific roads and introduce day-based movement controls where necessary.

He said no rickshaw would be allowed to operate in Dhaka without a valid licence in the future. Rickshaws from Demra, Keraniganj or Dhaka North City Corporation would not be allowed to enter DSCC areas indiscriminately. Instead, every rickshaw would have to be registered and assigned to a specific zone.

The necessary laws and regulations for implementing the system are currently being drafted. The rules will come into effect once the relevant ministry finalises and forwards them to the city corporation.

The DSCC is also working to bring greater discipline to bus operations. Discussions are underway with transport owners and workers to introduce designated bus stops and prevent buses from stopping and picking up or dropping off passengers at random locations.

Meanwhile, Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said a unified policy and licensing system was being formulated to regulate battery-powered rickshaws across city corporations, municipalities, upazilas and union parishads.

He said the proposed framework would help reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and increase government revenue through systematic registration and licensing.