The announcement from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz that new models of battery-powered auto-rickshaw would hit the roads in August has left pedal-powered rickshaw drivers concerned. With battery-powered rickshaws already on the rise, they have been wondering what fate awaits them when the newer models arrive.
The DNCC said it has already started to train some rickshaw-pullers in the use of the newer models, which were developed by a research team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
The team informed that the new rickshaw model's design is quite similar to the conventional easy-bikes and will measure in at around 3.2 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and 2.1 meters in height. The rickshaw will be able to bear loads ranging from 325 to 425 kilogrammes.
Professor Md Ehsan, who headed the design team, informed Dhaka Stream that they had identified safety flaws in 12 types of existing battery-powered rickshaws.
Taking those flaws into account, 16 features have been added to the new model.
These include hydraulic brakes, indicators, looking glasses, canopies, glass windshields, and high-beam as well as low-beam headlights. They will also be equipped with Daytime Running Lamps, which will help drivers see the roads while enhancing the vehicle's own visibility.
How much will it cost?
According to some manufacturers, the new models will cost between Tk 1.5 lakh to Tk 2 lakhs to produce.
One of the companies interested in manufacturing the new rickshaw is Beevatech. According to estimates provided by its Managing Director Saidur Rahman Saeed, each rickshaw could cost BDT1.5 lacs or slightly more.
"We will keep the cost within Tk 2 lakh so that poor people can afford to buy and operate the rickshaws," DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said.
However, the Rickshaw, Van and Easybike Sramik Union's Joint General Secretary Ariful Islam Nadim claimed that the new model of the autorickshaw could be manufactured within Tk 1 lakh.
"The easybikes that are currently made in local garages cost around Tk 70,000 to Tk 75,000. The new model is similar to the 'Mishuk' (a colloquial name for local easybikes), with only a few features like indicators, brakes, and a roof added. This may increase the cost by a maximum of 15,000 to 20,000 taka," Nadim said.
Mohammad Shimul manufactures battery-operated rickshaws in the Dhanmondi area.
He told Dhaka Stream, "We only make the body. Buyers use batteries of their choice. However, powder batteries are more commonly used instead of lithium ones. There is also scope for bartering old batteries at half price to buy new ones"
Saidur Rahman of Beevatech, added, "Batteries are not our concern. We only manufacture the body. Buyers are free to purchase batteries of their choice."
Controversy over 'exclusive' production rights
After a rumour surfaced that only a few companies would be granted permission to produce the new rickshaws initially, labour organisations quickly decried the move as a form of favouritism.
Manisha Chakraborty, member secretary of the Central Administrative Committee of the Rickshaw-Van and Easybike Sangram Parishad and leader of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, said, "We are hearing that a few institutions have been granted production rights. If the city corporation creates a monopoly by handing over production authority to people of its choosing, it will create opportunities for corruption."
Nadim added, "The city corporation has become busy serving its vested interests. We want the new rickshaw designs to be made public. These rickshaws can be manufactured in local garages without allocating them to any company. After production, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) can conduct fitness checks. This will create a large economic market."
However, DNCC Administrator Azaz refuted those allegations.
"No production rights have been given to anyone. Companies that want to produce rickshaws commercially have been asked to submit samples. We have formed an approval committee. The committee will decide which company will receive production rights," he said.
"Can the city corporation even issue licences?"
The city corporation will issue three rickshaw licences against one National Identity Card (NID). Azaz stated that, as rickshaw-pullers themselves would own rickshaws, no more than three rickshaw licences would be issued against a single NID.
On the other hand, Manisha Chakraborty questioned whether the city corporation has the authority to issue licences for motorised vehicles.
She told Dhaka Stream, "Only the BRTA possess sole authority to issue licences for motorised or battery-operated rickshaws. We do not know if the city corporation can issue licences. This is not covered by their regulations either."
Nadim added, "Out of the 700,000 rickshaw pullers in Dhaka, at most 50,000 to 60,000 will be able to afford the new models. The rest can neither afford vehicles nor get the licence. Consequently, a large number of workers will become unemployed."
Rickshaw fares likely to rise
Labour leaders fear that rickshaw fares may go up given the additional cost of the new models.
"The rickshaws we currently operate cost half the price of the new rickshaws. If we buy rickshaws at double the price, we will have to charge slightly higher fares," said Manjurul Islam, a rickshaw puller from Hazaribagh.
Nadim added, "Garage owners buying rickshaws at higher prices would want more in return. The riders will be at a disadvantage then. Fares will increase for sure."
However, Azaz retorted, "Right now, I cannot confirm whether fares will rise or not. But we will set fares based on the area, as is always the case."
What fate awaits the old models?
Pedal rickshaw-pullers express concern over this recent development.
Rickshaw-puller Abbas Ali from Mohammadpur told Dhaka Stream, "What will happen to us if the government launches new rickshaws? If we are ruled to be illegal, where will we go?"
However, DNCC Administrator Azaz said that old rickshaws would not become obsolete right away.
"Initially, we will introduce new rickshaws in specific areas. Gradually, the coverage and the number of rickshaws will increase. Old rickshaws will be removed proportionally."
Labour leaders demand a permanent solution
Labelling the city corporation's decision as hasty, labour leaders demand a permanent solution.
Alongside proposals to make the design public and allow local garages the opportunity to manufacture the rickshaws, they maintain that licences should be issued through the BRTA, not the city corporation.
"For the past 12 years, we have been urging the authorities to approve this design. The government has finally made that decision. We appreciate that. However, the design must be made public, and local garages should be allowed to manufacture it. The responsibility of issuing licenses must be taken away from a relatively costlier and slower institution like the city corporation and handed over to the BRTA."
Chakraborty added, "We must move away from the conspiracy of vehicle production through special groups. Licences and registrations should be issued by the BRTA. Workers must be free from all kinds of harassment."
What researchers are saying
While developed countries around the world are shifting towards public transportation, transportation experts suggest transitioning away from small vehicles in line.
Shamsul Haque, a transportation expert and professor of the Civil Engineering Department at BUET, told Dhaka Stream, "No matter how much training or how many features you add, it will not be beneficial. Small vehicles will only increase hassle in the end.
"Our authorities need to understand the difference first. Small vehicles are not just rickshaws, CNGs, or motorbikes. Private cars are also small vehicles. We must move away from these small personal vehicles and focus on public transportation. That way, traffic jams will decrease, and people will save time," he explained.
Emphasising the importance of passenger-friendly buses, Haque said, "We need to move away from rickety buses and build passenger-friendly ones. People should feel encouraged to ride these buses, like they do the metro rail. Buses should be accessible for all kinds of passengers.
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