Bengaluru: While most autorickshaws on Bengaluru’s roads look alike, 72-year-old Manjunath CH has created one that stands out. The veteran driver from Kurubarahalli has transformed his 2010-model autorickshaw into a customised, air-conditioned vehicle that resembles a compact car, earning admiration from passengers and fellow motorists alike.
Inspired by customised autorickshaws he watched on YouTube from Mumbai, Manjunath spent months planning and executing the project after realising there was nothing similar on Bengaluru’s streets.
Passion project inspired by innovation
Determined to turn his vision into reality, Manjunath invested nearly ₹1.5 lakh to modify his autorickshaw with car-style seats, doors fitted with windows, a reinforced roof, partition glass separating the driver and passengers, and air conditioning.
He said the idea was driven by passion rather than business.
“I always felt that an innovative city like Bengaluru deserved a unique auto like this,” he said.
The cream-and-orange interiors give the vehicle the feel of a small car, and Manjunath is already planning additional features, including a television and CCTV cameras.
Safety and comfort at the heart of the design
Beyond aesthetics, the veteran driver said safety was one of the key reasons behind the modifications. He pointed to Bengaluru’s unpredictable weather and recalled incidents where falling trees had damaged moving autorickshaws.
According to him, the stronger roof provides greater protection, while the enclosed cabin and air conditioning offer passengers a more comfortable travel experience, especially during heavy rain and hot weather.
Over the past two years, the unique autorickshaw has become a talking point, with many passengers expressing surprise after stepping inside what they initially thought was an ordinary auto.
Five decades behind the wheel
Originally from Hassan, Manjunath moved to Bengaluru in the 1980s with plans to start a travel agency. When that venture did not succeed, he turned to driving an autorickshaw, a profession he has proudly continued for more than five decades.
Despite changing times, he says he has never overcharged a passenger or refused anyone a ride. Unlike many drivers, he has also chosen not to join app-based ride-hailing platforms, preferring traditional street hails over paying aggregator commissions.
Reflecting on Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion, Manjunath acknowledged that driving has become more physically demanding. However, his advice to younger drivers remains unchanged: treat passengers with respect and never refuse someone who genuinely needs a ride