Centre acts after reports of remote e-rickshaw shutdowns; advisory issued to drivers to secure Bluetooth-enabled battery systems

The Centre has ordered the removal of seven Chinese mobile applications linked to Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems (BMS) used in electric rickshaws after receiving hundreds of complaints from across the country alleging that vehicles were being remotely switched off while in operation.

The move comes after incidents reported from several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where e-rickshaw drivers claimed that their vehicles suddenly stopped functioning in the middle of roads, causing inconvenience, financial losses and safety concerns.

According to officials, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) directed the concerned app stores to remove seven applications, including those associated with battery management systems manufactured by Chinese companies. The decision follows growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the possibility of unauthorized remote access to battery systems.

Hundreds of complaints prompted government action

Government sources indicated that authorities had been receiving complaints on an almost daily basis from different parts of the country. In Bhopal alone, police reportedly received dozens of complaints, while similar incidents were reported in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Investigations suggested that some Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery systems installed in e-rickshaws could be remotely accessed if adequate security measures such as password protection were absent. In certain cases, individuals allegedly connected to nearby battery systems using mobile applications and activated a "discharge" command, causing the vehicle to stop immediately.

The ministry has advised users to verify whether battery management applications installed on their devices are genuine and to uninstall applications that are no longer supported or appear suspicious.

How the battery management apps function

Battery Management System (BMS) applications are commonly used to monitor lithium-ion battery health, charging status, temperature and overall performance. These applications communicate with batteries through Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to monitor battery parameters from their smartphones.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that batteries lacking proper authentication or default passwords may become vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The report noted that older lead-acid battery-operated e-rickshaws are generally unaffected because they do not use Bluetooth-based battery management systems. Similarly, branded lithium battery manufacturers that provide encrypted software and secure password protection are considered relatively safer against such misuse.

What drivers should do if the vehicle stops

Technology experts have advised drivers that if an e-rickshaw suddenly shuts down, they should first switch off the vehicle using the key, wait for five to ten seconds, and then restart it. In many cases, the battery management system resets itself and resumes normal operation.

Drivers have also been advised to disable Bluetooth on their mobile phones when not required, change default Bluetooth passwords, and consult battery manufacturers to disconnect unnecessary Bluetooth modules wherever possible.

Tampering with battery systems may attract legal action

Authorities have warned that intentionally accessing or interfering with another person's battery management system without authorization constitutes a cyber offence under Indian law. Such actions may attract criminal prosecution under provisions of the Information Technology Act relating to unauthorized access and computer-related offences.

Officials also emphasized that deliberately stopping a moving vehicle through digital interference could create public safety risks and may invite additional legal consequences.

The government has appealed to e-rickshaw owners, battery manufacturers and service providers to strengthen cybersecurity measures while encouraging users to install software updates only from trusted sources.

As India's electric mobility ecosystem expands rapidly, the latest action underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity alongside road safety, particularly as connected vehicle technologies become increasingly common across the transport sector.

The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce unnecessary use of petrol and diesel is now becoming visible in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain city. Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal has decided to stop using his official car every Friday and instead travel through e-rickshaws, electric vehicles or by walking as part of a fuel conservation initiative.

The move comes at a time when fuel prices across the country, including Madhya Pradesh, have witnessed a sharp rise due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing international crude oil prices. The development has emerged as a major India News Update and reflects growing efforts by public representatives to encourage energy-saving practices. On Friday morning, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal reached Atal Park located on Kothi Road in an e-rickshaw instead of his official vehicle. During the visit, he interacted with local residents and appealed to people to adopt battery-operated vehicles wherever possible in order to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.

The mayor later travelled through three different wards of the city using the same e-rickshaw while inspecting civic works and public facilities. Residents gathered at several locations during the inspection and appreciated the initiative promoting eco-friendly transport options. Speaking to media persons during the visit, Tatwal said the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and other West Asian countries have affected global fuel markets, making fuel conservation increasingly important for the country’s economic stability.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appealed to citizens to use imported petroleum products carefully in view of the international situation. Inspired by the appeal, the mayor decided to dedicate every Friday to fuel-saving practices by avoiding conventional fuel-driven vehicles. Tatwal stated that the initiative was not only symbolic but also aimed at creating public awareness regarding responsible fuel usage. According to him, small changes adopted collectively by citizens and government departments could significantly reduce fuel consumption and lower economic pressure caused by rising crude oil prices.

The mayor further indicated that if the initiative proves successful, he may continue following the practice even after the present global crisis subsides. He said promoting sustainable transport and environmentally friendly travel habits should become a long-term public movement. Apart from personally adopting the practice, the mayor also appealed to municipal corporation officials and elected councillors to participate in the campaign. He urged them to avoid using private or official cars at least once every week and instead use electric vehicles, e-rickshaws, bicycles or walking for shorter distances.

According to Tatwal, nearly 45 municipal corporation officers currently use official vehicles for daily administrative work. He estimated that if all officers switch to alternative transport methods one day every week, nearly 250 litres of petrol could be saved weekly. Officials said the proposal is also being viewed as part of broader efforts to promote green mobility and environmentally sustainable transportation in urban areas. Electric vehicles and battery-operated public transport have gained increasing attention in recent years due to concerns related to pollution and rising fuel costs.

The mayor’s initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people during a public programme in Telangana to exercise restraint in the use of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. The Prime Minister had stressed that careful use of imported petroleum products would help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and lessen the economic impact of global conflicts.

Madhya Pradesh recently witnessed a steep increase in fuel prices after oil companies revised petrol and diesel rates following a surge in global crude oil prices. In major cities including Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain, petrol prices crossed Rs 109 per litre, while diesel prices also increased significantly. The rising fuel costs have prompted several government departments and civic bodies in the state to discuss measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting alternative modes of transport.

Residents in Ujjain reacted positively to the mayor’s initiative, with many saying public representatives adopting such practices could encourage ordinary citizens to become more conscious about fuel conservation. Environmental experts also welcomed the move and noted that small policy-level and behavioural changes can contribute to long-term sustainability goals. They said encouraging electric mobility and reducing dependence on fossil fuels are essential for both economic and environmental reasons.

Political observers believe the initiative also carries symbolic value because it demonstrates alignment between local governance and national-level appeals on energy conservation. Similar efforts by elected representatives could become more common if fuel prices continue to remain high.

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Rewa NH-30 Car Crash Kills Woman

Husband critically injured, e-rickshaw wrecked in Tyonthar accident; locals block highway for 4 hours in protest

Deadly Collision at Ghooma Bridge

A woman died on the spot in a horrific road crash on Rewa NH-30 late Sunday evening, while her husband suffered serious injuries. The incident unfolded around 5:30 PM near Ghooma Bridge in Tyonthar, when a speeding Artica car rammed into an e-rickshaw from behind.

The victim was identified as Sheela Saket, daughter of Sunil Saket. Local reports suggest the couple was heading from Lauri towards Prayag when the crash occurred. The impact was so severe that the e-rickshaw was left in pieces, triggering chaos at the site with cries echoing across the highway.

Traffic Paralysed for Hours

Outraged family members and nearby residents quickly blocked the national highway, halting all traffic in both directions. Vehicles piled up for kilometres on Rewa NH-30, with the standoff lasting nearly four hours. Police rushed to the scene and spent time pacifying the crowd amid rising tensions.

Initial accounts point to the car's high speed as a key factor. The highway, a busy stretch connecting Rewa to key routes, saw complete standstill until late evening.

Husband Rushed to Hospital

The injured husband was promptly shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical. He remains under observation as medical teams work to stabilise him. No updates on his recovery were immediately available.

Gadh police station officers seized the errant car and kicked off an investigation. They are piecing together the sequence, including driver details and any mechanical faults in the e-rickshaw.

Official Assurance on Aid

Tyonthar Tehsildar Rajendra Shukla stepped in to address the gathering. According to officials, he assured the victim's family of financial assistance from state authorities. This helped calm tempers, allowing police to clear the blockade by evening and restore normal traffic flow on Rewa NH-30.

The administration's quick response prevented further escalation, though locals voiced frustration over recurring accidents at the spot.

Spot Prone to Mishaps

Ghooma Bridge has witnessed multiple crashes in recent months, often blamed on poor lighting and heavy traffic. Residents have long demanded repairs and speed checks, but little has changed. Sunday's Rewa NH-30 car crash adds to the toll, raising fresh calls for safety upgrades.

Data from local police shows at least five major incidents on this stretch over the past year, mostly involving two-wheelers and autos.

Family Grapples with Loss

For Sheela's kin, the evening turned into tragedy without warning. Neighbours described her as a quiet homemaker, now leaving behind a grieving family. The husband's fight for life underscores the human cost of such lapses on busy highways.

Probe to Uncover Faults

Authorities plan a detailed probe into the Rewa NH-30 car crash, focusing on the driver's role and road conditions. Sources familiar with the matter said forensic checks on the vehicles are underway. Meanwhile, traffic cops have increased patrols to avoid repeats.

The incident serves as a grim reminder for stricter enforcement on national highways cutting through Madhya Pradesh's heartland. With evening peaks seeing more such risks, drivers are urged to slow down near bridges and bends.