Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 6: Battery-driven auto rickshaws have started operations in the city. They run smoothly without pollution. The fact that these auto rickshaws have been extended with several concessions has given rise to a sense of apprehension in the minds of traditional auto rickshaw owners and drivers. 

Now, Mahindra Treo auto rickshaws have hit the roads. For the drivers, these rickshaws are easy to handle as there is no need to change gears. It moves ahead on D mode, R mode for reverse, and also M, L and H buttons which mean medium, low and high speed modes. The three-wheelers accommodate 1+3 passengers and run for 130 kms once they are fully charged. These auto rickshaws come with a display which shows how many kms covered, how much charge is available, and how many more kms can be covered with the charge.

The fact that the battery driven autos can be operated without any permits as per the rules framed by the central government, there is worry of high number of auto rickshaws crowding the roads, which might give rise to friction with the traditional auto operators. Regional transport deputy commissioner Udupi, R M Varnekar, said that the department has written to the government seeking to frame licence rules as traffic congestion and friction might otherwise occur. The district auto drivers association has warned that unless uniform licence rules are implemented, they may have to resort to agitation.