Mangaluru : For the first time, an electrical rickshaw has been operating on hire in the city. This auto rickshaw is free of smoke and noise pollution.

This auto-rickshaw is owned and driven by Robert D’Souza from Ullal. Robert informs that three such rickshaws are moving around in Udupi already, and in Mangaluru, he is the first to operate such an auto rickshaw.

With the increase in number of vehicles in the city, density of vehicles and of smoke released by them has been on the rise. The vehicles have also been adding to noise pollution. Robert says that he wanted to contribute towards reduction of pollution in the city and says that his customers have been appreciative of this three-wheeler.

Robert D’Souza says that he saw electrical auto rickshaws at the airport at Bengaluru when he went there in connection with his daughter’s job interview. He got curious about them and acquired one, the first in Dakshina Kannada district. He hastens to add that in Kanhangad, several such rickshaws are moving about.

These auto rickshaws do not have clutches, gears, or engines. They are operated on battery with brakes and accelerators. The cost of this auto rickshaw is Rs 2.9 lac, informs Robert, who has been driving auto rickshaws since the last 28 years. He also said that the electrical auto-rickshaw can move 120 km at a stretch if charged for three hours and it can travel at a speed of 40 km per hour.