E-Raajas to Revolutionize Kolkata’s Rickshaw Business

Kolkata: City based Nezone Group and leading moulded plastic maker Ok Play has forged a partnership to manufacture indigenous e-rickshaws. Known as E-Raaja, these new line-up of rickshaws is a type of electric rickshaw and it is also an advertisement for the Made in India campaign.

Nezone group managing director M L Beswal said, “We have collaborated with Ok Play to manufacture eastern region’s first ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) approved e-rickshaw.”

According to estimates, over a lakh e-rickshaws are plying across the state, most of which are either built with Chinese components and are unable to meet regulatory requirements.

PSU banks have also approved this product which will help buyers to get subsidized Mudra scheme loan to purchase the vehicle.

This is a complete green vehicle as even components used for body are all UV stable plastic body which is non-polluting, long lasting and edge free, Nezone officials said.

Feasibility is being carried out to make solar powered e-rickshaw as well, Benswal said. He said if some direct fiscal benefit scheme is offered by the West Bengal government it would help in quick switchover to authorized e-rickshaw in the state.

The Delhi government has announced a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per e-rickshaw. The Maharashtra government has waived registration charges on such vehicles. Several state governments have waived VAT on e-rickshaws. The union government has reduced central excise to six percent on these battery operated vehicles.