Mumbai Drives Towards Green Mobility: Rickshaw Union Proposes Electric Retrofit for Old Autos
Mumbai, India – In a significant move towards sustainable urban transport, the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union has unveiled an ambitious plan to convert the city’s aging fleet of CNG auto-rickshaws into electric vehicles through retrofitting. The union has formally proposed to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) that autos reaching their 16-year lifespan be permitted to switch to electric power, allowing them to continue operating for an additional 5-10 years with zero emissions and without the need for a new permit.
Union leader Thampy Kurien confirmed that discussions on this proposal are scheduled for Thursday at the transport commissioner’s office. He highlighted the economic viability of retrofitting, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1.6 lakh. This is considerably less than purchasing a new normal auto (Rs 2.8 lakh) or a brand-new e-auto (Rs 3.8 lakh), making the transition more accessible for drivers and permit holders.
To demonstrate the feasibility of their plan, the union will bring a RTO-approved and Pune-registered retrofitted e-auto to Mumbai for a demo and test drive. “We will ask drivers to take multiple rides on all kinds of roads—narrow lanes or the arterial road. After getting good feedback, we plan to introduce these kinds of autos in Mumbai,” Kurien stated.
A crucial aspect of the union’s proposal is the establishment of a robust charging infrastructure. They have petitioned the government for more charging stations and are actively pushing for battery swapping stations in the suburbs. Battery swapping offers a significant advantage, allowing for a quick exchange of depleted batteries for fully charged ones in a matter of minutes, a stark contrast to the hours required for conventional charging. This efficiency is particularly vital for electric three-wheelers, minimizing downtime and maximizing earning potential for drivers.
With nearly 3 lakh autos in Mumbai’s suburbs, many of which are nearing their 16-year operational limit and facing mandatory phasing out, the union’s initiative offers a lifeline for countless livelihoods. “We are asking MMRTA to allow the autos to continue in electric mode so that the owners/drivers can continue to earn a livelihood,” Kurien emphasized.
However, a source from the auto trade raised a point regarding the permit implications for electric autos. Vehicles running on battery power, while registered with green number plates, do not require a traditional permit. This could potentially allow them to ply not only within the MMRTA region but also extend their operations to far-off villages, impacting the existing permit system.
The coming discussions with the transport commissioner’s office will be pivotal in determining the future of Mumbai’s auto-rickshaw fleet and its journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable urban transport system.