A Ride to Remember

Bacche has infused a number of well-thought amenities in a small rickshaw for commuters for free.

Sandeep Bacche with his autorickshaw.

When actor Salman Khan took a ride in Sandeep Bacche’s autorickshaw, the first thing he said was that the facilities in latter’s three-wheeler were not even available in his luxury car.

Thirty-six-year-old Bacche, who is known as the ‘King of Bandra’, has been driving his auto since 1999. He owes the title of ‘King’ that he has earned to his autorickshaw MH 02SA 3783 which is unique in several ways.“The first thing people tell me when they sit in my rickshaw is that they feel like they are sitting in the comfort of their own living rooms,” said the proud owner of the vehicle.

Bacche’s auto is equipped with an LCD television and a public phone from which calls can be made to any part of the country at Re 1. Apart from a cell phone charger, the auto also offers a hot cup of tea, chocolates and WiFi connection. Passengers are welcomed with the fragrance of perfumes and incense sticks. He promptly plugs in his pendrive that has a series of rib-tickling comedies of actors Govinda and Salman Khan.

Bacche has infused a number of well-thought amenities in a small rickshaw for commuters for free. He starts his day by diligently writing the gold and silver rates, exchange rates, and even stock market and weather updates in his rickshaw. The newspaper rack is stacked with dailies and magazines. A first-aid kit, tissue papers, water bottle and even a fire extinguisher also make up the interiors of Bacche’s vehicle.

Passengers pay the autorickshaw fare according to the meter, which would the same as any other autorickshaw in the city. But the personal touches given to his rickshaw, make the passengers’ ride a lot more special. And unlike most of his counterparts, Bacche has never refused a ride to any passenger.

Apart from the airline-like facilities, the autorickshaw driver has a cache of good thoughts and slogans pasted across the vehicle. Right from posters to donate eyes to stop wasting water, Sandeep’s rickshaw reflects his thoughts, good will and hope.

“I believe in helping people. I also give 50 per cent discount to visually- impaired people, 20 per cent to physically challenged and 10 per cent to newly weds. I have experienced many financial constraints in life and I want to help as many people as I can,” said Bacche.

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Sandeep is just a call away for a ride. He also has a Facebook profile where he can be contacted or is also available on his personal contact number 9594236040.

megha.sood@expressindia.com

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