Those willing to go green will soon have the means to do so. Recharge stations will soon be set up in Lutyens’ zone — known for its greenery — to boost use of electric cars. The use of bicycles will also be promoted. Authorities have also begun the process of procuring e-rickshaws for short-distance travel.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has set a 66-point agenda which includes the installation of recharging stations and bicycle stands at 66 spots in its area.
The spots include Metro stations in the NDMC area, Connaught Place, Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. The recharging stations will be metered. India Gate already has an e-rickshaw facility.
The civic body, in an effort to encourage the use of bicycles, has already begun constructing connecting slopes on service lanes and pavements for smooth rides.
“It is an extensive plan aimed at turning the NDMC area into an eco-friendly zone. It will be achieved through a public-private partnership and go a long way in ensuring that there are fewer polluting vehicles on roads,” said a senior NDMC official.
The BKS Marg multi-level parking lot is expected to help Connaught Place in emerging as one of the first areas to get e-rickshaws.
The project has already received approval from UTTIPEC (the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure [planning and engineering] centre), the agency that oversees traffic plans in the city.
According to the original proposal, a pilot project was to be launched with recharging stations, bicycle stands and e-rickshaws to be introduced at just two locations. The NDMC, however, objected, saying that in order for the project to be successful, it had to be introduced in a big way.
“To discourage the use of cars for short-distance travel, rickshaws are being introduced. Once the entire plan is implemented, pollution levels will come down in the area,” added the official.
The tendering of the project is going on. The successful bidder will be in charge of operating e-rickshaws in NDMC areas. The rickshaws will take people from the markets to the nearest Metro stations.
Advertising rights will also be given to the private firm to earn money. The rates are yet to be decided.
