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)

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SCIENTIFIC AUTO RICKSHAWS LAUNCHED IN PUNE

Pune tops the country in the number of trips by auto rickshaws which stands at 4.87 lakhs currently.The new system of Scientific Management of Auto Rickshaws, which was inaugurated in the city is expected to reduce congestion in the city and buildconfidence in the public.

This information was given by Union Urban Development Secretary Dr. R. Ramachandran. Speaking after the inauguration of the Project Scientific Management of Auto Rickshaws, he said under the new system biokryptic I.D. Cards are being given to auto drivers who register under the scheme which will help curb unauthorized autos in the city. He also said that this is a pioneering scheme in the country and the components of advertisement in it had good potentials for part funding of the project.

The Police commissioner Dr. Satyapal Singh said that30 per cent of auto rickshaws in Pune are illegal and Pune lacks any auto culture and discipline. Criticizing the operation of auto rickshaw drivers,he said only 20 to 30 per cent in Pune run on meter. Dr. Singh said no action can be taken against the auto rickshaw caught by them, as this power lies with the RTO authority who complains of staff shortage. The new system would bring in discipline, order and reduce the criminal elements.

Six auto rickshaw drivers were given the Insurance Policy and the I.D. Card at the function. About 2000 auto rickshaws have already registered for the scheme in Pune.

Introducing the details of the scheme the Chairman RTO, Pune and Divisional Commissioner Shri Nitin Karir said, Pune has about 50,000 auto rickshaws which move from point to point. This needs to change as dead mileage is very high and para transit is the need of the hour. Under the new Scheme a telephone call to a Centralized Control Room diverts the nearest auto rickshaw to the passenger. It also reduces the congestion at bus stops, railway stations and other crucial locations

Dr. Karir said it is a purely voluntary scheme under which the drivers will be provided training by the police and they would get a close user cell phone and the system can be integrated into BRTS system in place in the city. A number of operator welfare measures such as uniform, insurance, medical test and setting up of a corporate welfare a fund for their family is the part of the scheme. Dr. Karir said this is a nationally replicable model and positive response from auto unions could help in making the pioneering scheme successful in the city.

Social activist and Chairman of Auto Rickshaw Union Baba Adhav said the Union still has reservation about the scheme and certain aspects need to be clarified before unified response is given by Union. The Auto Drivers should not loose revenue on the advertisement they put up on their auto rickshaws. Once the financial equation of this scheme is cleared, the social security aspect is good part of it, all benefits need to be clarified since it is a 10 year contract. There is no provision for education of children of the drivers in the scheme he lamented. Roughly 30 per cent of the auto rickshaw drivers are very honest and disciplined. However, this fact is very rarely appreciated.

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