Solar-Powered Rickshaws Introduced In IIT-Delhi Campus As Part Of State-Run CEL’s CSR Initiative

Solar-powered rickshaws can now be spotted within the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Delhi, The Times of India reports. Ten such rickshaws have been handed over to the 58-year old institute by central government enterprise- Central Electronics Limited (CEL), under its corporate social responsibility initiative.

The CEL had designed and manufactured specialised 300-watt solar panels used on the rood of rickshaws. The solar-powered rickshaws would be operated by rickshaw pullers, who have been operating inside the campus since 2002-03.

With an ideal speed between 10 km/hr to 15 km/hr, the rickshaw has the potential to reach speed upto 25 km/hr due to the imported motors from China, manufacturers claim. The hybrid vehicle is priced at Rs 68,000, much cheaper than e-rickshaw which cost around Rs 1.25 lakh. However, these vehicles can ply only inside the campus.

According to Director of IIT-Delhi, Ram Gopal Rao, the initiative is an instance of technology, tradition and empathy coming together for a social cause. “This innovation combines traditional knowledge and modern technology to create harmony among the environment, employment needs and convenience,” Rao said.