Latest news with #MumbaiRickshawmen'sUnion
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Union proposes to convert old CNG autos to electric
Mumbai: The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union has prepared a roadmap to convert existing old CNG autos in the city to electric autos by retrofitting. It has proposed to the MMRTA to allow drivers/permit holders to convert autos to electric once they reach the lifespan of 16 years in MMR. Such autos can switch to electric and ply on roads with zero permit and no pollution for another 5-10 years, union leader Thampy Kurien said. The union has been called to the transport commissioner's office for discussions on this issue on Thursday. Also, the cost of retrofitting is around Rs 1.6 lakh, which is less than the cost of a normal auto (Rs 2.8 lakh) and an e-auto (Rs 3.8 lakh). A proposed model of a retrofitted e-auto has been approved by RTO and registered in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune. "The union will bring this auto to Mumbai for a demo and test drive on city roads. 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 said. The union has also petitioned the govt to set up more charging stations and will also push for battery swapping stations in the suburbs. Battery swapping can save significant time compared to charging an electric vehicle, particularly for electric three-wheelers. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain| search ads Find Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola While charging can take hours, battery swapping can be completed in just a few minutes. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The city has nearly 3 lakh autos in the suburbs, with many of them nearing the lifespan of 16 years, after which they have to be phased out from the roads. "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 added. A source from the auto trade said: "There is one problem with having autos running on battery. There is no need for a permit in such vehicles, although they are registered with green number plates. So, these vehicles can ply in MMRTA as well as go to the far-off villages and operate."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union proposes to convert old CNG autos to electric
Mumbai: The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union has prepared a roadmap to convert existing old CNG autos in the city to electric autos by retrofitting. It has proposed to the MMRTA to allow drivers/permit holders to convert autos to electric once they reach the lifespan of 16 years in MMR. Such autos can switch to electric and ply on roads with zero permit and no pollution for another 5-10 years, union leader Thampy Kurien said. The union has been called to the transport commissioner's office for discussions on this issue on Thursday. Also, the cost of retrofitting is around Rs 1.6 lakh, which is less than the cost of a normal auto (Rs 2.8 lakh) and an e-auto (Rs 3.8 lakh). A proposed model of a retrofitted e-auto has been approved by RTO and registered in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune. "The union will bring this auto to Mumbai for a demo and test drive on city roads. 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 said. The union has also petitioned the govt to set up more charging stations and will also push for battery swapping stations in the suburbs. Battery swapping can save significant time compared to charging an electric vehicle, particularly for electric three-wheelers. While charging can take hours, battery swapping can be completed in just a few minutes. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The city has nearly 3 lakh autos in the suburbs, with many of them nearing the lifespan of 16 years, after which they have to be phased out from the roads. "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 added. A source from the auto trade said: "There is one problem with having autos running on battery. There is no need for a permit in such vehicles, although they are registered with green number plates. So, these vehicles can ply in MMRTA as well as go to the far-off villages and operate."
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autorickshaw union plans to launch app to tackle refusal menace in Mumbai
The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union on Sunday announced its plan to launch an app aimed at combating the refusal menace. The app will assure commuters of a ride and allow autorickshaw bookings while ensuring payment is made only by the RTO-approved meter. Union leader Thampy Kurien, who proposed the idea to the transport department , is set to demonstrate it to officials at Mantralaya this week. "Unlike Ola and Uber, our app will not calculate fares that are low, very high, or dynamic in nature. It will merely book an auto and ensure pickup from your doorstep or wherever you are waiting. After the pickup, the driver will flag down the meter and take you to the destination, collecting the actual fare as per the meter, " Kurien told TOI. The union is also considering introducing a convenience charge, potentially a nominal Rs 5 per trip for app usage. It will seek MMRTA approval for any fare above the RTO-approved meter fare, said Kurien. He explained that the app's necessity arises after a series of refusals by auto drivers. Police statistics indicate there were nearly 4.7 lakh challans in 2024 for refusals by autos and taxis, with auto refusals accounting for over 70%. A senior transport official said they will review the app and, if it proves beneficial to commuters and auto drivers, there should be no issue in granting clearance. Kurien further indicated that he plans to challenge Ola and Uber autorickshaws operations in the city in Bombay high court. These vehicles do not operate by the meter despite drivers possessing state badges and permits, which require that vehicles function "only by the meter". Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. Kurien also plans to petition the transport department to regulate autorickshaw operations outside railway stations. "At present, there are three different groups of autos – one which stands in queue and picks up passengers with no questions asked, the other which picks up while on the go, and a third group of cartel which parks autos at a distance and demands hefty share fares for popular destinations such as Linking Road, beaches, waterfronts, promenades, etc," he said. "We want govt to have a single queue outside all railway stations. If autorickshaws do not want to join this queue, they will have to drop passengers and leave the station precincts immediately. Those in queue should observe discipline and ferry all passengers – short or long distance," he added.
