Phat Phat Sewa jeeps too old, govt orders replacement

The Transport department on Tuesday said the operators have been asked to propose routes of not more than 15 km.

“We have come up with 10 routes, most of which start from Old Delhi. These routes include Fountain in Chandni Chowk to Shastri Park, Jama Masjid to Gokulpuri, Fountain to Mayur Vihar, etc,” an official said. The department has invited suggestions from operators so that routes can be finalised. “After finalisation of routes, we will issue orders allowing existing permit holders to replace vehicles,” an official said.

The original Phat Phat Sewa vehicles (three-wheelers) got their name from the signature Harley engine rumble. Harley bikes came to India in large numbers after World War-II and many of their engines ended up in colourful motor-rickshaws. These were replaced after a Supreme Court ruling against polluting vehicles. Around 375 jeeps are running in the city.

The Phat Phat Sewa association had recently met Transport Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj to address the issue of replacing vehicles.

The Delhi Pradesh Phat Phat Sewa Owners’ Union is not happy with the government’s decision and plans to meet Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday.

“We have all-Delhi permits. We do not want to be restricted to certain routes. We will try and meet the chief minister on Wednesday,” Jai Prakash, president of the association, said.

A ride in these Phat Phats costs between Rs 20 and Rs 50 per person.

“In 1998, when we started replacing the 615 three-wheelers with jeeps, around 240 were replaced with diesel vehicles that are no longer in use. There are 375 jeeps plying in the city, which need to be replaced. We have provided the government the option of replacing jeeps with other 10-seat vehicles,” Prakash said.