Prayagraj, Nov 15 (UNI) Along with ensuring efficient transportation facilities in the Kumbh city, e-rickshaw drivers are being trained to narrate the cultural and spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh and the rich heritage of Prayag, official sources said here on Friday.
Sources said that the Yogi government aims to blend traditional Indian values with modern hospitality through the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Prayagraj Mahakumbh serves as a grand platform for showcasing this vision and the training of e-rickshaw drivers is a key step in this direction. The responsibility for this initiative has been entrusted to the Tourism Department.
Sources said that the first point of interaction for devotees and tourists arriving in Prayagraj is often with taxi or e-rickshaw drivers. Recognising the importance of this interaction, the Tourism Department has launched a campaign to train 1,000 e-rickshaw drivers, with 100 drivers trained on the first day.
The programme, conducted under the leadership of the Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Institute, focuses on improving drivers’ communication skills, behaviour and awareness about tourist destinations.
Regional Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh said that the effort aims to enhance the drivers skill development and improve their interactions with visitors.
Assistant Professor Prakhar Tiwari from the Kanshiram Institute said that the training covers tourist place details, cleanliness and sensitivity toward visitor needs. Besides, drivers are being taught engaging narratives about Mahakumbh and the legacy of Prayag to enrich tourists’ journeys.
To streamline transportation, these e-rickshaws will operate within and outside the Kumbh area with a designated colour-coding system. Training sessions have started emphasising the role of drivers as cultural ambassadors who guide tourists while providing valuable information about Prayagraj’s heritage and spiritual landmarks.
As part of this initiative, drivers are being educated not only on narrating the glory of Maha Kumbh and Prayag but also on traffic rules, cleanliness, courteous behaviour and digital payment systems.
The Tourism Department has collected basic information from drivers through a detailed form before training begins. This form includes conditions that drivers must meet to receive a training certificate and a QR code for their rickshaws.
The QR code will serve as a badge of identification, ensuring only trained drivers with approved vehicles, excluding China-made rickshaws, participate in this initiative.
Speaking about the programme Vice President of the Prayagraj E-Rickshaw Association Raghunath Dwivedi emphasised the importance of adhering to these guidelines. “Drivers who complete the training will not only represent the city but also contribute to maintaining a positive image of Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh,” he said.
