Mangaluru, June 20: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has launched 24 electric auto-rickshaws for door-to-door garbage collection within the city. These eco-friendly vehicles, supplied by Pragya Automobiles of Bengaluru, were inaugurated by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta on Wednesday.
Capt Chowta highlighted the initiative, stating, “These autos will contribute to realizing the vision of Swachh Mangaluru-Hasiru Mangaluru. They are built under the concept of Atma Nirbhar Bharat by PM Modi and are manufactured in India.”
MLA Vedavyas Kamath pointed out the economic benefits, stating, “These vehicles are particularly essential amidst the current skyrocketing fuel prices. While other vehicles incur expenses of Rs 12 per km, these autos operate at just 50 paise per km. They can travel up to 90 km on a single charge. Additionally, they can navigate lanes as narrow as five feet, facilitating garbage collection from houses in by-lanes.”
Mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur, who presided over the event, added, “Each auto will serve three wards to collect both wet and dry waste. MCC plans to gradually implement the use of electric vehicles (EVs) across all operations. Electrically operated auto tippers will transport waste to recycling units.”
The event saw the attendance of MLA Dr Bharath Shetty, deputy mayor Sunita, president of the standing committee Ganesh Kulal, Lohit Amin, Varun Chowta, Bharat Kumar, leader of opposition Praveen Chandra Alva, MCC corporator Divakara Pandeshwara, health officer Dr Manjaiah Shetty, and MD of Pragya Automobiles Aditya Surana. Each vehicle, costing Rs 2.08 lac, has a capacity of 310 kg and a maximum speed of 25 km per hour.
