Old ricks converted into solar powered ones

Delhi’s Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday flagged off three solar powered autos as part of a pilot project. These were old diesel and CNG autos converted into solar powered ones. 

“Presently, three autos will ply between Delhi Secretariat and ITO for first three months. If it is successful, more such autos will be introduced across the capital and will be run commercially. For now, we have to ply these between 80 to 200 kms daily and then the government will take a call,” said Farid Arifuddin, Managing Director, Alpha Bravo Motors Ltd, which took up the project. 

It has been supported by the government of India. The Delhi government approved the project to convert the old and existing autos into solar powered ones. According to him, since the autos will be run by solar energy, its mileage will also increase by 25 km per hour.

“Presently these are running at a speed of 50 km per hour like other autos providing an average of 100 to 120 kmph,” said Arifuddin.

In total, the company has launched nine autos across India, others being three each in Nagpur and Karnataka.

“We have a plan for retro-fitment of existing diesel and CNG autos into solar ones and talks are on with the government and various departments for the same,” stated Arifuddin. 

He added that, for capital, they will have a separate meeting with the Chief Minister. 

“We cannot phase out the old autos but we can convert these into solar ones as these are environment friendly too,” added the MD.

https://www.thestatesman.com/news/delhi/old-ricks-converted-into-solar-powered-ones/95718.html