Autorickshaws on Different Roads

In one of my previous posts, I had mentioned about the hi-tech auto rickshaws. In a further development, the Pune city is set to see the rising numbers of autorickshaws plying on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). India is also getting new rickshaws running on solar power but it is a far fetched thing to expect that it will be a reality soon.

In Pune, some PMPML buses already run on CNG. Now, according to RTO officials, about five to six autos have taken to the alternative fuel. Bhurelal Committee had recommended to run autos on CNG. But Regional Transport Office had not given the permission for changing over to new fuel because the city had not enough supply of CNG. Now, as the CNG outlets have grew in numbers, autorickshaws have got green signal to fit with the CNG kit. About Rs 25 to 30 Thousand are to be spent for CNG kits to be fitted in the autorickshaws.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the premier research institute of the country, launched "Solekshaw", the solar-electric rickshaw for eco-friendly urban transport on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti

The dual-powered Soleckshaw is the CSIR's solution for the dual problem of decent employment generation for the masses and mitigation of global warming. Currently, transport sector accounts for more than 60 percent increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emission in India. As of now, no powered vehicle or transport system is free from carbon dioxide emission. Soleckshaw, with its zero carbon foot print and the trend of widespread use, is expected to reverse global warming and protect the planet from the perils of the climate change.

CSIR vision, titled, CSIR-800 and aimed at empowering 800 million Indians, gave way to the Soleckshaw. Mark I version of Soleckshaw has been designed, developed and prototyped by the CSIR's national laboratory, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) at Durgapur, in a record time of eight months. The accompanying solar charging station for swapping the batteries has been set up by the Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government undertaking. The specifically designed robust low power high torque brushless DC motor has been developed for the first time in India by Crompton Greaves based on the specifications provided by CMERI.

Technical Features · Power source : Solar and human · Drive : Motor - assisted pedal-driven · Electric motor : BLDC hub motor: 240-350 W, 36 V with regenerative capabilities · Transmission : Chain drive with differential and two ratios · Brakes : Three-wheel braking · Seating capacity : Two passengers · Payload : 200 kg · (excluding driver) · Speed limit : 15 kmph

The Advanced Materials & Process Research Institute (AMPRI), another constituent laboratory of CSIR supported for the Technology Demonstration Project (TDP). The Centre for Rural Development (CRD), an NGO working on rickshaw banks in different cities, joined the TDP as a partner for wider deployment of Soleckshaw. Innovative business model is being evolved with NGOs, banks, environment-loving corporates and manufacturing organizations to make the rickshaw available to the drivers at the cost of an ordinary rickshaw.

The advanced versions of Soleckshaw Mark II and Mark III with better aesthetics, ergonomics, speed and recumbent driving position is expected to be ready for launch during the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

(The information on Soleckshaw provided by PIB Features)