Janakpurdham, Madhesh Province — A news report published by Shilapatra has highlighted a growing concern around e-rickshaw management and driving licences in Madhesh Province. The report is based, in part, on a survey conducted by Kayapalat in partnership with Bikalpa – An Alternative, which looked at the experiences and challenges faced by e-rickshaw drivers in Janakpurdham and Birgunj.
The issue was initiated by Kayapalat and Bikalpa An Alternative after observing the growing use of e-rickshaws in cities and the difficulties many drivers face in getting a driving licence. The organizations carried out research and a field survey to better understand the situation from the drivers’ perspective and bring their concerns into public discussion.
The survey of 311 e-rickshaw drivers found that 70.7 percent did not have a driving licence, while only 30.3 percent had one. It also showed that 52.3 percent of the drivers had never applied for a licence, while others had tried but were unable to complete the process.
Among those who had tried to obtain a licence, the reasons for not succeeding were different. Some had failed the written examination or driving trial, while others faced difficulties with the application process or lacked the required documents. The survey found that 119 respondents had tried to obtain a licence but were unsuccessful.
The research also looked at another important issue: insurance. The survey found that 48.2 percent of the drivers did not have any vehicle insurance, while 29.9 percent had third-party insurance. This points to wider gaps in the safety and protection of both drivers and passengers.
The findings become more important in the context of the rapid growth of e-rickshaws in Janakpurdham. According to Shilapatra, local drivers estimate that there are around 14,000 to 15,000 e-rickshaws operating in the city, while only around 4,000 are registered with the local municipality and transport office combined.
The report also points to concerns about traffic management and road safety. Data shared by the District Traffic Police Office shows that 130 e-rickshaw accidents were recorded in the fiscal year 2080/81 and 128 in 2081/82, although these figures cover only cases reported to the traffic police.
For Kayapalat and Bikalpa – An Alternative, the research was not only about collecting numbers. It was about listening to the people who depend on e-rickshaw driving for their livelihoods and understanding the barriers they face. The findings show that many drivers have the skills and experience to operate e-rickshaws but still remain outside the formal licensing system.
The publication of these findings by Shilapatra has helped bring the issue into wider public attention. The research also provides useful evidence for government and concerned authorities to look at the licensing process, road safety, registration, insurance, and the overall management of e-rickshaws in Madhesh.
Kayapalat believes that public policies and services work better when they are informed by evidence and the real experiences of citizens. Through this research and survey, Kayapalat and Bikalpa An Alternative aim to support a more practical, fair, and accessible system for e-rickshaw drivers while also contributing to safer and better-managed urban transport in Madhesh Province.
To Read the News Report : जनकपुरमा १४ हजार बढी ई–रिक्सा, ७० प्रतिशत चालकसँग छैन लाइसेन्स