Delhi plans ban on autorickshaws

The Indian capital's streets are notorious for the swarms of green and yellow autorickshaws – and for their surly, betel nut-chewing and overcharging drivers.

But their days may be numbered after Delhi's chief minister, Sheila Dikshit, said she wanted to see the three-wheelers phased out within five years.

Amid uproar in the state assembly, she said that no ban would be imposed "immediately". But Dikshit's comments signalled the likely start of a long campaign to prepare public opinion for the demise of one of the capital's best-known sights.



"Autorickshaws are not a good option. They are uncomfortable and pollute [the] environment. Autorickshaw drivers are unruly and harass passengers," she said.

Dikshit has repeatedly said that making Delhi a world-class city is a key aim. The city has already tried to limit the number of cycle rickshaws. But Delhi's high court ruled last month that capping their numbers was illegal.

The defenders of the motorised versions point out that, as the vehicles run on compressed natural gas, their contribution to air pollution in the city is minimal compared with cars. Others argue that rickshaws fulfil an essential function in ferrying people short distances to metro stations or bus stops.