Govt launches dedicated portal for enrolment of e-rickshaws
The Statesman | 14 October 2025Totos are categorised under e-rickshaws.
According to the state transport minister, the decision making registration mandatory was taken following complaints and demands from various sections. As the totos do not require a permit, the vehicle is being operated in various cities of the state uncontrollably, creating traffic snarls. The numbers of these e-rickshaws have increased so much in cities like SIliguri, Durgapur, Howrah and Barasat sans any regularisation, these are creating congestion at marketplaces and numerous citizens are facing trouble due to the traffic snarls. Several such citizens have complained demanding to bring some control over these vehicles.
To overcome the issue, the transport department has planned to first identify the number of totos and then decide upon further course of action. According to the secretary of the transport department, Soumitra Mohan, the department on completion of the enrollment of totots, is also planning to sit with the district administration, local police and various municipalities to draw further regulations for the e-rickshaws. If found necessary, the department, in consultation with the local bodies, could also introduce ‘odd-even’ number system in various parts of the state. According to the minister, with this system, the toto drivers would be able to run e-rickshaws on one day and do something else on the day when other totos would ply.
On application and further process, the totos are to be given temporary enrollment numbers with QR codes. The purpose of the QR codes, as pointed out by Mr Chakraborty is to enable the transport department know how many totos are plying in which routes. After the enrolment of the e-riskshaws, the totos would compulsorily have registration numbers.
