Bathinda, February 18
The pullers of five eco-rickshaws being run in the city are demanding more space in the vehicle to augment their income. The rickshaw is unable to carry much load other than that of the passenger.
Rickshaw pullers feel that little more space could have done wonders.
“Had the eco cab been little more spacious, it would have been of great benefit for us. In case we do not get passengers, rickshaws could be used to carry packets and parcels. But since these rickshaws have less space than the conventional ones, these are inadequate for carrying any kind of load,” said one the five rickshaw pullers plying in the city.
Another rickshaw puller, however, added that the easy system of paying instalments has proven to be beneficial for people like him. "The monthly instalment is a mere Rs 300, which is not very difficult to pay every month. But yes, if given more leg room, we could successfully start carrying heavier load," he added.
In October, the district administration had mooted a proposal to start dial-an-eco-rickshaw cab service wherein eco-rickshaws would be just a phone call away. Sadhu Ram Kusla, coordinator of the eco-rickshaw cab scheme in the office of the ADC (Development), however, added that this facility could not take off owing to the model code of conduct imposed following the assembly elections.
He added that the department has received around 100 more applications from people interested in running these eco-rickshaws. "The applications would be processed only after the model code of conduct is lifted," he said.
While talking to TNS, the founder of eco-cabs, Navdip Asija said the structure is being improvised for cargo purposes. "Usually, rickshaws are assembled structures, whereas the eco cabs are branded rickshaws. Though technically, adjusting cargo is not allowed, but keeping in view the profit of rickshaw pullers, we are altering it to adjust more cargo," he said.
Asija added that the rickshaws are strong enough to bear four quintals of weight and it was the psychological limitations of the rickshaw pullers due to which they could not think of loading it with heftier things. "The rickshaw seems to be dainty but it is as strong as the other rickshaws," he reasoned.
