Review of Literature in India's Urban Auto-Rickshaw Sector: A Synthesis of Findings

This study presents a review of available literature in the urban auto-rickshaw sector in India. The objective of this review is to understand the current state of the sector, summarize the key issues, and highlight the gaps in current literature. A wide range of literature sources are reviewed, including research and conference papers, reports, case studies, white papers, industry statistics, and news articles.

To streamline the review process, we focus on the following key aspects of the auto-rickshaw sector:

• Policy and regulation: Review of current policies and regulations in the areas of permits, fares, emissions and safety
• Market characteristics: Review of market size, vehicle production/sales trends, major manufacturers, engine technology, and fuel characteristics
• Emissions: Review of emissions-related challenges in the auto-rickshaw sector
• Socio-economic and operational issues: Review of socio-economic issues such as driver profile (age, educational qualifications) and economics; and operational characteristics such as average daily kilometres, average number of trips, and empty kilometres
• Safety: Review of safety aspects of auto-rickshaws, looking at both the safety impacts on vulnerable road users, as well as the safety of auto-rickshaw occupants

It is envisioned that the findings and recommendations of this study will inform future reform efforts undertaken at the national, state and local levels to promote auto-rickshaws as a key sustainable transport mode in Indian cities.