Transport dept plans electric autos on Bengaluru roads
In an attempt to tackle increasing pollution levels across the state in general and in Bengaluru in particular, the transport department may soon launch electric autorickshaws in the city.
As part of the Karnataka Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy, 2017, the department has decided to create its own version of electric autos, instead of the patented battery-operated rickshaws that aren’t permitted to run within city limits.
The electric vehicles to be promoted in Karnataka require retrofitting batteries to the existing autorickshaw models. Officials in the department said the usual electric rickshaws are actually converted from cycle-rickshaws and they neither reach a speed of over 25 kmph nor are stable on the road.
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Speaking to the media on Tuesday, transport commissioner B Dayananda said: “A month ago, we had proposed retrofitted electric autorickshaws to the government. The government too showed interest in promoting use of electric vehicles. Drivers who wish to opt for retrofitting would be supported by the department and the state. Once we get the required approvals, we’ll kickstart a drive to promote conversion of autorickshaws into electric mode.”
Karnataka is one of the first states in the country to announce a policy for electric vehicles. The policy, unveiled in September, exempts electric vehicle owners from paying road taxes. The department is also working on introducing electric buses through BMTC and KSRTC. They are likely to be operated on inter-city routes — from Bengaluru to Tumakuru, Hassan and Kolar.
