Shimla goes fancy for commuters, tourists; introduces e-carts

As the town was getting in a festive mood, Shimla’s Mayor Sanjay Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar did a trial run of the eight seater vehicle on all chosen routes.

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The routes include Lakkar Bazar – Sanjauli, CTO Boileu Ganj, HPTDC Lift Via Chalet Day crossing to Chotta Shimla and US club to St Bede’s chowk.

“We tested the vehicle even for steep climbs like Chaura-Maidan to Viceregal Lodge (IIAS), Summerhill, Boileu Ganj and also Ridge. There was no problem and it excelled indeed on trial run on hilly terrain.This sound like a fancy ride ,its green transport and tourists attraction too,” said Panwar.

The Municipal Corporation has finalised its deal with Jalandhar based company – Speedways Electric, manufacturer and supplier of latest range of electric vehicles.

“While we are doing business in several places like Agra, Shimla is new destination and we are happy the Municipal Corporation has chosen our company. The vehicle brought today will be modified and reworked to suit Shimla’s climate, providing proper seating and protections (widows) against weather, ” said Sumit Anjeja, who along with Rakesh Ahuja drove the vehicle for test drive on all routes.

Municipal Corporation will be getting an annual revenue of Rs 16 lakhs from the company for four routes. Those using smart cards will be required to pay only Rs 12 for a ride on single route while tourists and other commuters will pay Rs15 for the ticket.

Pankaj Rai, commissioner Shimla Municipal Corporation, who has worked behind the idea of golf-carts, says the facility will be launched by April 1 as announced by Mayor Sanjay Chauhan in the budget for year 2015-16. “Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh will be invited to launch service once the trial runs are complete and company provides all the 16 vehicles .We are trying to negotiate for more returns.”

The golf-carts unlike traditional fuel-driven vehicles do not create noise or air pollution. The re-chargeable battery last for eight hours. The company will set-up its charging stations at four places and even mid-way facility.

During the trial run some of the tourists also tested the facility. “In the ear of global warming and pollution, Shimla has taken a new lead in the country as hill station. I feel tourists and citizens here will love the initiative,” said Nikhil Sharma, a engineering student from Srinagar.

Shimla has faced the problem after High Court imposed restrictions on un-licenced taxis being run on the restricted roads. The state government and transport department was directed to rework on taxi service and rather explore introducing pollution free vehicles.