E-cycles distributed to Dabbawalas

A local Shiv Sena leader today distributed five battery-operated e-cycles to the famed Dabbawalas (tiffin carriers) of the city.

Pandurang Sakpal, the Sena leader, said another twenty such cycles will be distributed in the next few days.

"We distributed the cycles after a consultation with Yuva sena chief Aditya Thackeray. We handed over five e-cycles today, and will give 20 more in the next few days," he said.

Before ordering the e-cycles, a meeting was held with the Dabbawalas to understand their needs, and the cycle-maker was instructed to install carriers so that at least 40 tiffins can be loaded on them, Sakpal said.

At present the Dabbawalas use local trains and bicycles to deliver tiffins, mainly in offices. However, with the advancing age, the task becomes arduous for many of them, said spokesperson of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association Subhash Talekar, adding that e-cycles would make the job more convenient.

One e-cycle costs almost Rs 35,000. Most Dabbawalas may find hard to bear the cost on their own, Talekar said, thanking Sakpal and the Shiv Sena.

One issue the Dabbawalas may face while using e-cycles is parking, he said, adding that feedback will be collected from those who will be using these e-cycles.