DNCC launches training, licensing programme for e-rickshaw drivers

Licensing and training for rickshaw drivers will establish a formal legal framework for their recognition by the state, said Mohammad Ejaj, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

Speaking at an event after inspecting the DNCC's e-rickshaw drivers' training programme in Mohakhali, the Administrator emphasised the joint effort by both Dhaka city corporations to regulate battery-operated rickshaws.

"To instil discipline in Dhaka's battery-operated rickshaw operations, DNCC and Dhaka South City Corporation are collaboratively providing training to e-rickshaw drivers. Through this initiative, we aim to bring these drivers under a formal legal framework," said Mohammad Ejaj.

The training programme for e-rickshaw drivers in the DNCC area commenced today, jointly organised by DNCC and the Local Government Division. On the first day, sessions were held simultaneously at five venues across the capital, including two locations at the DNCC Mohakhali zonal office, Mohammadpur Suchona Community Centre, Mirpur-10, and Uttara.

Approximately 600 e-rickshaw drivers participated on the inaugural day, with 237 attending at the Mohakhali venue. The training sessions will continue regularly at these venues from tomorrow.

Upon successful completion of this one-day training, drivers will be issued a five-year digital driving licence.

During the inspection, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaj addressed the trainees, stating, "This training will contribute to reducing accidents and encourage drivers to comply with traffic laws."

He added, "The currently hazardous battery-operated rickshaws running in the city will be gradually phased out and replaced by safer models designed by BUET."

The comprehensive training curriculum includes traffic laws, road safety, causes of accidents, traffic signs and signals, rickshaw driving techniques, and the process for obtaining a driving licence. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Traffic Division is supporting the programme.

Mohammad Ejaj also revealed that around 200,000 rickshaw drivers will be incorporated into the training programme in phases. "In the future, different coloured rickshaws will be assigned to each zone, and rickshaws will be restricted to operating only within their designated zones," he said.

According to the mechanical engineering department of BUET, the maximum speed of battery-operated e-rickshaws is set at 30 km/h, with speed limits ranging from 15 to 20 km/h in certain areas. The draft "Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025," prepared by the Local Government Division, restricts these rickshaws to neighbourhoods and narrow lanes, prohibiting their use on main roads.

Also present during the inspection were DNCC Zone 3 Regional Executive Officer Nahid Ul Mostak and DNCC Transport Department General Manager Abdullah Al Masud.

Earlier, on 28 June, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan inaugurated the training of trainers (ToT) programme for rickshaw driver trainers.

Through this initiative, DNCC is advancing a long-term strategy to bring order to urban transport and ensure safer mobility for citizens.