Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy backs e-rickshaws, aims for 100% clean fleet in e-commerce by 2030

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Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2025-2030, set to be unveiled during Invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet, recommends the adoption of e-rickshaws and EV auto-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity.

This could pave the way for shared e-rickshaw services in Bengaluru, similar to those in Delhi, particularly for last-mile connectivity from bus, metro, and railway stations across the city.

"To enhance last-mile connectivity, e-rickshaws and EV auto-rickshaws will be encouraged and supported by the Transport and Urban Development Departments, including BMRCL, KRIDE, BMTC, and KSRTC, while ensuring compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act", the policy said.

Congress party, in its 2023 Karnataka Assembly election manifesto, had promised to increase the public transport share from 55% to 70%. It also planned to introduce e-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity and set up public charging/battery swapping points at every Metro station.

The policy outlines several measures aligned with the Government of India’s announcements to promote the adoption of clean mobility vehicles in private transport.

Also, read: How poor last-mile connectivity has hit public transport use

The policy also proposes allowing clean mobility buses to operate outside BMTC’s jurisdiction, which currently holds the exclusive stage carriage permit in Bengaluru. "To encourage the adoption of clean mobility vehicles for short-route public transport, a flexible stage carrier permit policy for clean mobility buses which allows multiple or variable routes outside the BMTC area, will be examined", it said.

E-commerce and delivery companies across Karnataka will also be encouraged to transition their fleet of two-wheelers and three-wheelers to clean mobility vehicles in a phased manner, with the goal of achieving 100 percent clean mobility by 2030. Many gig workers are already using Yulu, Zypp Electric, and Fae Bikes in the delivery segment (quick commerce, e-commerce, food, groceries, medicines, etc.) since it is more cost-effective than petrol-run two-wheelers.

The policy also recommends retrofitting existing ICE vehicles. Existing two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, passenger, and cargo vehicles will be encouraged for retrofitting, provided they are factory-fitted, government-approved for safety, and compliant with all regulatory requirements, including FAME-II norms or any other notified rules or regulations issued by the Government of India. Transport department will issue guidelines and an online procedure for retrofitting approvals.

The policy also aims to promote clean mobility in tier II and tier III cities. The Directorate of Municipal Administration will focus on retrofitting existing two-wheelers and three-wheelers while enhancing charging infrastructure. City Corporations, City Municipalities, Town Municipal Councils, and Town Panchayats in Karnataka will be encouraged to adopt clean mobility vehicles for solid waste management.

Also, read: Yulu set to launch new EV scooter for e-commerce delivery segment

Private companies and schools will also be encouraged to transition their fleet of school buses, company cars, and vans to electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. To accelerate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the Government of Karnataka has exempted all categories of electric vehicles—both transport and non-transport, including e-rickshaws and e-carts—from tax under the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1957. However, this exemption does not apply to motor cars, jeeps, omnibuses, and private service vehicles running on electricity that cost more than Rs 25 lakh.

The policy also aims to promote innovation in clean mobility. Startups will be encouraged to develop business models focused on clean mobility vehicles. A venture capital fund will be set up to support research in clean mobility, advanced chemistry batteries, and battery management systems, it adds.

Also, read: Karnataka unveils Clean Mobility Policy 2025-2030, aims for Rs 50,000 crore investments and 1 lakh jobs