Kakinada: Kakinada Smart City has decided to distribute 200 e-rickshaws to rickshaw pullers. These rickshaws will be available at a cost of '1.75 lakh each with a subsidy from the government.
According to sources, the number of manually-pulled rickshaws has drastically decreased over past 10 years, with a simultaneous increase in the number of auto-rickshaws. However, some people continue to depend on manual rickshaws as a source of their livelihood. To give these rickshaw pullers’ income a boost, the Smart City will provide them with e-rickshaws.
E-rickshaws run on battery, thus making it easier for rickshaw pullers as well as commuters. Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC) has purchased five e-rickshaws on an experimental basis, for use in sanitary works of the Corporation.
A KMC official says, “The working condition of e-rickshaws is satisfactory. We think we can achieve good results from it. Rickshaw pullers can earn a higher income, and their living conditions can improve.”Some changes need to be made in the working of the e-rickshaws, to make them suitable for commercial use.
The present models are unable to climb bridges and inclined roads in the city.
Persons who have driven the experimental e-rickshaws say that the battery life does not allow them to travel long distances. These problems will have to be remedied.
Based on the outcome of their experimental study, officials plan to purchase 200 e-rickshaws, of which 50 will be allotted to the KMC sanitary staff, and the rest will be given to rickshaw pullers in the city.
“We will identify the beneficiaries and tie-up with welfare corporations of SCs, BCs, Kapus and others. We will give them e-rickshaws according to their eligibility, and offer them subsidies,” says the official.
Officials have invited tenders for the procurement of e-rickshaws. Sources say that three companies have submitted bids. The Smart City Office has yet to evaluate their bids and award the tenders.
