West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said the state government will ban the operation of illegal electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws), popularly known as totos, on major roads and highways and will permit only licensed vehicles to operate within localities. He urged residents and social media content creators to raise awareness about the safety risks posed by the operation of such vehicles on highways. The announcement followed a departmental directive to police to enforce existing restrictions more strictly.

Singh said unregulated operation of e-rickshaws, particularly by teenagers and drivers without training, posed a serious threat to passenger and public safety. He noted that while e-rickshaws are banned in Kolkata, they have proliferated in adjoining areas and district towns, increasing the risk to passengers and overall public security. The transport ministry indicated it would pursue a coordinated clampdown with law enforcement to curb illegal activity.

The department stated it will permit only licensed electric rickshaws manufactured by registered companies and operating in accordance with specified guidelines. A letter from Transport Department Principal Secretary Ravi Inder Singh dated seven August reiterated that e-rickshaws are intended for last-mile connectivity and their use on major roads is prohibited under current norms. Authorities signalled that compliance checks and registration verification would form part of enforcement.

The transport department said it had received multiple complaints of e-rickshaws operating on national highways, state highways and other principal roads in violation of guidelines, causing traffic congestion and raising safety concerns. Officials called for public cooperation and awareness to reduce misuse and warned that enforcement would target unlicensed vehicles and unsafe operators. The policy aims to balance last-mile mobility needs with road safety priorities.