Delhi University: Rickshaw-pullers struggle to survive

The e-rickshaws, which have become a popular in Delhi University’s North Campus, have become a huge competition for cycle rickshaw pullers.

Even students who travel to North Campus prefer travelling in an e-rickshaw for its cheap rate and fast mobility.

Raju Singh, a cycle rickshaw-puller for the past 7 years, said, “Earlier, when there were no e-rickshaws, I used to do good business. Students used to travel in my rickshaw wherever they wanted, but since the time this e-rickshaw phenomenon started, I am unable to make much money. May be because they charge only Rs 10 and I charge according to the distance. There is a huge competition among between us.”

Agreeing with Raju, another cycle rickshaw- puller Shankar Jadhav said, “E-rickshaw waalas have taken over the North Campus as this area has a large concentration of short-distance travellers. Earlier, we used to earn around Rs 300 to Rs 400 in a day, but now it is difficult to earn that much. And now, since the admission process is also online, few students come to the campus.”

On the other hand, e-rickshaw drivers feel that even they face difficulties at times because many e-rickshaws have come up in the same area. “I do get students everyday in my e-rickshaw. We also face competition with the other e-rickshaw drivers. I make around Rs 500 to Rs 700 a day because students in this area prefer taking a e-rickshaws than the cycle rickshaws,” said Rajat Singh, an e-rickshaw driver.

“Our business has decreased after e-ricshaws were introduced. We anyhow carry just two passengers, while e-rickshaw carry upto seven. We stand outside Metro stations and hardly get students and even if we get some customers, they bargain with us,” said another rickshaw-puller.