Gurgaon: After taking over almost every internal road in the city as the default last-mile link, e-rickshaws have now spilled onto highways too — bringing the same chaos, rule-breaking and safety risks to some of its fastest, busiest stretches.In a city where reliable public transport remains patchy, these battery-operated vehicles are often the cheapest and quickest way to reach metro stations, offices and markets. But Gurgaon’s most practical last-mile option has also become a daily test of nerves for many.Across arterial roads, neighbourhood lanes and now even high-speed corridors, e-rickshaws routinely flout traffic rules — driving against the flow, crowding junctions and blocking exits — turning routine commutes into risky, chaotic journeys.The problem is most visible on high-speed corridors such as Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and the Udyog Vihar-Sikandarpur stretch, particularly around Shankar Chowk. One of the city’s busiest junctions, it sees over 4,000 vehicles and more than 1,000 pedestrians in just 15 minutes during peak hours. Here, e-rickshaws weaving through traffic or moving in the wrong direction add to congestion and heighten the risk of accidents.For commuters, the trade-off is stark. It’s convenience versus safety.“It feels like risking your life every day, but we don’t have an option. We’ve asked drivers to slow down or follow rules, but they simply don’t listen. People are often seen praying silently during these rides,” said Bhawna Sharma, who uses e-rickshaws between Cyber Park and Guru Dronacharya metro station to commute.The chaos extends well beyond highways. Areas like Sector 14, Golf Course Road, Rajiv Chowk, Old Gurgaon and Kapashera border frequently witness disorderly scenes. The situation worsens outside metro stations like Guru Dronacharya and Sikandarpur, where hundreds of e-rickshaws crowd exit gates, blocking pedestrian pathways and service lanes.Commuters stepping out of stations often struggle to reach the main road. “There’s hardly any space to walk. You step out and are surrounded by e-rickshaws coming from all directions. Arguments with drivers are common, and some even turn abusive. They are least bothered about our safety,” said Yogesh, a commuter at Sikandarpur.A recent ground check near DLF Cyber Park in Udyog Vihar reflected the gap in enforcement. While traffic personnel issued challans on one side, e-rickshaws on the other continued to block a key turn and drive against traffic, largely unchecked.Officials agreed enforcement remains a challenge. “We try our best, but manpower is limited. The moment we leave a spot, violations resume. Strictly redirecting wrong-side drivers can also trigger jams. At times, we feel helpless,” a police officer said.Last year, 5,029 challans were issued to e-rickshaw drivers, generating Rs 1 crore in fines, while 1,047 violations in the first three months of 2026 have already led to penalties worth Rs 24.5 lakh.The risks are amplified by the three-wheelers themselves. With lightweight frames and open sides, e-rickshaws offer little protection during a collision, leaving passengers exposed to serious injury.Police data underlines the concern. In 2025, at least eight accidents involving e-rickshaws resulted in three deaths and 15 injuries in the city. In 2026 so far, one such accident has been recorded.Traffic experts said piecemeal action will not suffice. Officials at Traffic Engineering Centre insisted on the need for designated pick-up and drop-off zones, stricter regulation and greater on-ground presence of cops. “Separate bays for e-rickshaws, cabs and autos are essential. These vehicles often block roads during pick-up and drop,” an engineer said.DCP (traffic) Prateek Gahlot said a detailed study has been initiated to find a solution. “I have been posted in Gurgaon only recently. I am monitoring traffic related issues closely and will soon try to streamline the problem of e-rickshaws here,” he added.
