Located near Mumbai, Matheran is a popular hill station for Mumbaikars and Punekars alike. Blessed with magnificent mountains, a pleasant climate and a scenic view! In addition to this, there is a toy train service that people can opt for and enjoy the best views of the Matheran forest. And, this place is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station! However, the Supreme Court has allowed electric rickshaws, or e-rickshaws, to operate.
E-Rickshaws To Operate In Matheran
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court approved the use of e-rickshaws inside the boundaries of the Matheran Municipal Council. However, the Supreme Court stipulated that the e-rickshaws could only be driven by the hill station’s current hand-rickshaw drivers.
According to a Time Of India report, the three-judge panel decided to permit e-rickshaws to operate on normal roads as well. B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala, and Sanjay Kumar were on this bench.
A petition was filed by a person of the Shramik Rickshaw Chaalak Maalak Seva Sanstha. Based on this, the three-judge panel allowed the e-rickshaw trial in May. For three months, seven e-rickshaws were on trial and there are 94 registered handcarts and pushcarts in the tourist-friendly civic body region.
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The advocate has strongly objected to the concerns of traffic, pollution due to the movement of e-rickshaws.
User-Friendly And Environment-Friendly Vehicles!
Small, three-wheeled electric rickshaws are propelled by electric motors and batteries with power outputs ranging from 650 to 1400 Watts. They are more user-friendly than pulled rickshaws while using less fuel than auto rickshaws. Since 2008, this has increased their appeal and broadened their acceptance in various locations.
Electric rickshaws have the potential to be a low-emitter of air pollution and a complementing mode of transportation for low-income individuals, who suffer the most from a lack of transportation options if they are introduced methodically. Most of these electric rickshaws are produced in China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.
Thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision, Matheran will also have its rickshaw service! So, if you are planning to travel to this beautiful place, don’t forget to ride the electric rickshaw!
Also Read: Mumbai Gets India’s First Air-Conditioned, Double-Decker Electric Bus
Comment below and share your thoughts about this decision of allowing e-rickshaws in Matheran.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia (Rep Img)