Tamil Nadu yet to give green signal for e-rickshaws

CHENNAI: Electric rickshaws operated on batteries will help reduce automobile pollution in Chennai and other cities in Tamil Nadu once the state government gives its nod, says an entrepreneur in this field. "I was inspired by the Delhi model of e-rickshaws. Under a special scheme rolled out by Union transport ministry, the national capital already has an estimated one lakh battery operated rickshaws on the roads," said S Shankar, chairman and managing director of Shuttle Cars India Private Limited, which has been providing free shuttle cars at the Chennai central and Egmore stations besides the airport for aged people and the physically challenged for the past three years. The cost is covered by renting out space for advertisements on the cars.Shankar said his proposal for e-rickshaws is pending approval of the Tamil Nadu government, while Kerala and Karnataka have already given the green signal for this environmental-friendly and affordable transport service. The four-seater e-rickshaws will charge a minimum fare of Rs 10 for distances from 2km to 5km.The green rickshaws under manufacture at his company's facility in Poonamallee would be convenient for connectivity from suburban and metro stations to places of work, tourist spots and hospitals, he said.