Wait continues for Kochi Metro’s e-autorickshaws
KOCHI: Introduction of electric buses to the city has brought back the focus on Kochi Metro Rail Ltd’s (KMRL) plan to implement electric autorickshaws here.
Though the Metro agency has taken up the initiative to facilitate operations of about 150 electric autos as part of its feeder network, their efforts are yet to become fruitful.
The plan is to operate these vehicles under the Ernakulam district autorickshaw drivers’ co-operative society (EDADCS).
According to EDADCS, they are yet to sign a memorandum of understanding with the firm that has expressed willingness to provide e-autos.
“Discussions are being held with Kinetic Green regarding supply of e-autos. These vehicles are to be operated from Kochi Metro stations,” said M B Syamathabhadran, representative of EDADCS.
The auto drivers are of the view that they can pay only a rent of Rs 100 per day for hiring these vehicles from the firm. Fully-charged e-autorickshaws can travel up to 80-100km at a maximum speed of 25km per hour. Fitting the e-rickshaws with solar panels will help increase this range to 120km.
“As the speed of e-auto is restricted to 25 km/ per hour, male drivers are generally unwilling to operate it. Our intension is to rope in women drivers, who will be comfortable operating these vehicles,” added Syamathabhadran.
Officials with KMRL said that the project was progressing at a fast pace.
“There will not be much delay in signing relevant agreements. The modalities for operating these vehicles are being worked out with various agencies, including motor vehicles department. The charging facilities can be installed on Metro station premises in a very short time,” said a Metro official.
The state government’s decision to bring down the tax on e-autorickshaws is expected to encourage more people to operate such electric vehicles.
“In the budget, finance minister Thomas Isaac had brought down the tax of e-autorickshaws from Rs 12,700 to Rs 3,200. This should encourage autorickshaw drivers to opt for the emission-free vehicles,” said Georgekutty Kariyanappally, e-auto dealer.
The running cost of solar autorickshaw per kilometre is just 25 paise, while that of an autorickshaw which runs of fossil fuel goes above Rs 3.
The KMRL’s move to introduce e-rickshaws has been submitted to the Centre’s FAME India scheme, as it will help promote economically-priced public transport systems, which does not cause air and sound pollution.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes
