Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Monday launched a registration programme for battery-powered, low-speed three-wheeled rickshaws, known as e-rickshaws, to regulate their operation, ease traffic congestion and improve urban transport safety.

Under the initiative, application forms will be available from November 3 at a cost of 100 taka each. Applicants can collect the forms from Nagar Bhaban, the corporation's headquarters, and all DSCC regional offices.

Speaking at a press briefing at Nagar Bhaban, DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam said the initiative had been launched under newly introduced rules to regulate e-rickshaw operations and ensure safer travel for city residents.

He clarified that collecting or submitting an application form would not guarantee registration. Only vehicles that meet the prescribed conditions, comply with the technical standards set by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and pass the required verification process will receive registration certificates.

The registration drive is being conducted under the Rules on the Operation of Low-Speed Battery-Powered Three-Wheeled Rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) in City Corporation Areas, 2026, recently issued by the Local Government Division.

“Our main objective is to gradually bring all e-rickshaws under the regulatory framework and reduce the number of unauthorised and unsuitable vehicles on the roads,” Abdus said.

As part of the process, authorities will examine applications and supporting documents, while assessing whether vehicles meet BUET-prescribed technical standards and safety requirements. Technical clearance from the university will be mandatory for registration.

An individual can collect a maximum of five application forms and register up to five e-rickshaws against a single national identity card (NID).

DSCC also plans to divide its jurisdiction into four zones to determine routes and regulate the number of e-rickshaws operating in each area.

The zonal management system will be introduced following consultations with traffic police and other relevant stakeholders.

The corporation expects the implementation of the new rules to help establish a cleaner, more orderly and safer transport system across Dhaka South.

It has urged city residents and relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the initiative.