Centre blocks battery management apps used to disable e-rickshaws
Centre orders blocking of battery management apps used to turn off e-rickshaws The Centre has instructed the department of telecommunications to block various battery management apps used to switch off e-rickshaws in different parts of the country. This decision was made after several incidents of e-rickshaws being disabled en masse by using these applications. This move aims to ensure the smooth operation of e-rickshaws and the protection of the livelihoods of thousands of e-rickshaw drivers who are reliant on them for their daily income..
According to reports, e-rickshaw drivers in several cities, including New Delhi, have been subjected to extortion by organised gangs that use these apps to disable their e-rickshaws. The battery management apps in question were developed by Chinese firms, but have been widely adopted across the country. Authorities have now initiated steps to block these apps, making it difficult for gangs to continue their illegal activities..
The development comes after reports emerged of a major extortion racket in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, where dozens of e-rickshaws were switched off simultaneously. E-rickshaw drivers were reportedly threatened with dire consequences if they did not pay up a hefty sum of money to the extortionists. The police have arrested several people in connection with the case, but the authorities are now focusing on identifying and blocking the apps that enabled this racket..
Experts have pointed out that the Centre’s move to block the battery management apps is a positive step towards protecting the interests of e-rickshaw drivers and ensuring the smooth functioning of e-vehicles in the country. They also highlighted the need for stricter regulations to monitor the use of such apps, as their misuse can have far-reaching consequences. The government has been actively promoting the adoption of e-vehicles in the country, given the growing concerns over air pollution and climate change..
However, the incident in Ujjain has the vulnerability of e-vehicles to the menace of extortion and cybercrime. The Centre’s decision to block the offending apps is a clear indication of its commitment to safeguarding the interests of e-rickshaw drivers and ensuring the effective regulation of e-vehicles. E-rickshaw drivers in the country, especially those who operate in urban areas, have been facing increasing pressure from extortionists and gangs..
In many cases, e-rickshaw drivers have been threatened, intimidated, and coerced into paying hefty sums of money to continue operating their vehicles. The blocking of battery management apps is expected to put a stop to these activities and provide relief to thousands of e-rickshaw drivers who are struggling to make ends meet. The Centre has directed the department of telecommunications to block the apps developed by Chinese firms that are used to manage lithium-ion battery packs in e-rickshaws..
This move is expected to curb the menace of extortion and cybercrime that has been threatening the livelihoods of e-rickshaw drivers across the country. The incident in Ujjain has highlighted the need for the government to take a closer look at the growing menace of cybercrime and extortion in the e-vehicle segment. The Centre’s decision to block the battery management apps is a step in the right direction, and it is expected that more stringent regulations will be put in place to regulate the use of such apps..
In the wake of the Centre’s decision, many e-rickshaw drivers have expressed relief and gratitude towards the authorities for taking this step. They believe that the move will go a long way in protecting their livelihoods and ensuring the smooth operation of e-vehicles in the country. The Centre’s action to block the battery management apps is also expected to set a precedent for regulating the use of other apps that are used to manage e-vehicles..
This will not only protect the interests of e-rickshaw drivers but also ensure that e-vehicles operate efficiently and effectively in the country. E-vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the country, and the Centre’s decision to block the battery management apps is a recognition of the need to regulate the e-vehicle segment effectively. By taking this step, the government has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the interests of e-rickshaw drivers and ensuring the smooth operation of e-vehicles in the country..
The government has been working to develop a comprehensive policy framework for regulating the e-vehicle segment. The Centre’s decision to block the battery management apps is a welcome step in this direction, and it is expected that more stringent regulations will be put in place to monitor the use of such apps. As the Centre moves to block the battery management apps, e-rickshaw drivers and owners are expected to face some short-term inconvenience..
However, in the long run, this move is expected to benefit the e-vehicle segment as a whole. The government’s decision to regulate the use of such apps will ensure the effective operation of e-vehicles, protect the livelihoods of e-rickshaw drivers, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. The Centre’s move to block the battery management apps is also seen as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s cyber laws..
This development comes at a time when the government is working on a comprehensive plan to strengthen the country’s cyber infrastructure and protect its citizens from cyber threats. In conclusion, the Centre’s decision to block the battery management apps used to switch off e-rickshaws is a significant step towards protecting the interests of e-rickshaw drivers and ensuring the smooth operation of e-vehicles in the country. While the move may cause short-term inconvenience to e-rickshaw drivers and owners, it is expected to benefit the e-vehicle segment in the long run..
Updated: July 4, 2026
This move highlights the darker side of the e-vehicle revolution, where the very technology meant to make transportation cleaner and more efficient can be exploited for nefarious purposes. By taking swift action to block these apps, the government is sending a strong signal that it will not tolerate the use of technology to extort and harass vulnerable individuals, such as e-rickshaw drivers.







