Environment-friendly rickshaws generate employment in Agartala

The Tripura Government is taking measures to promote environment friendly battery-operated rickshaws in the state to generate employment.

In a first of its kind initiative, Tripura will be providing registration and license to these battery-operated rickshaws, a new mode of public transport that is gradually gaining popularity.

The Tripura Government has framed rules known as the "Tripura Battery Operated Rickshaws Rule 2014' to regulate the movement of these rickshaws in the urban areas.

The license would be valid for three years, unless it is cancelled for the violation of any rules. The registration will be provided once the screening of the applications is completed.

" We have notified the routes in which these rickshaws will be allowed to operate throughout our corporation area. 55 routes have been identified by the municipal corporation. So far we have received 531 applications from the operators," said Agartala Mayor Prafulla Jit Sinha.

The four-seater battery-operated rickshaws, locally known as tuk-tuk, have become very popular among commuters in Agartala city since they started operating 6 months ago.

A large number of unemployed youth in the state are now earning a decent income through these vehicles.

Besides being environment friendly, the maintenance of these rickshaws is very less and the battery can be charged with electricity at a low cost.

"These rickshaws can be a very good alternative. They are very comfortable and during the night hours, I prefer to avail the battery-operated rickshaw which are quite fast and cost less," said Pradip Dutta Chowdhury, a commuter.

" This auto has been of great benefit for unemployed youth like me as we are able to earn a decent income. We can make good earning, look after our family and prosper," said Sanjib Biswas, a driver.

The government is now keen on promoting such eco-friendly modes of transportation that can reduce the dependence on fuels.