Battery operated rickshaws at Delhi University (DU)

The University campuses are seeing new phenomenon: battery operated rickshaws. Battery operated rickshaws are essentially semi-open 4 seater rickshaws that are noiseless, smooth and relatively swift. Compared to the rickety, jerky and slow pace of the cycle rickshaws, battery operated rickshaws are a substantially better option.

"Well it had to happen one day. The cycle rickshaws were veritably looting the students. They were asking for Rs. 40 for 2 students from the metro station to Hindu/Stephens.", says Apoorva Singh, a student of Hindu College.

2 years ago, an economical option for college students existed in the form of the campus bus service. The bus charged a mere Rs 5 to drop students from the metro station to their colleges. However, the main beneficiaries of the price hike from Rs 5 to Rs 10 are the cycle rickshaw operators since their prices were the same - Rs 20 for 2 students from the metro to colleges. This was before the price hike. After the cycle rickshaw operators increased their prices, battery operated rickshaws suddenly found a large number of customers - they charged only Rs 10. Walking is an option adopted by many, especially in nearby colleges such as Miranda House. However for colleges as far away as Hans Raj and Kirori Mal, walking is often not a great option.

"I once got talking to these battery operated rickshaw drivers. They earn a massive Rs 1,000 per day. Therefore I believe seeing this high profits, many more battery operated rickshaws will operate from Vishwavidyalya metro station", says Arun Mishra, an Economics student from a North Campus college.

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Source: CoolAge

Author: Vernika Awal