Gentlemanly behavior by auto drivers in India is something you can only dream about. I bet there’s hardly anyone who’s not had a heated argument with them. It’s heartening that authorities are not turning a deaf ear to continuous outcry from the public in this regard. The government of Maharashtra has decided to give auto drivers lessons in etiquette. And guess what’s going to happen in Bangalore? Tata Nanos may soon replace abrasive autorickshaws, if the BMTC has its way.
In an attempt to phase out autorickshaws gradually and provide Bangaloreans with a cheap but comfortable local transport mechanism, the transport department is planning to buy10,000 Tata Nanos as city taxies.
Karnataka transport minister R Ashoka said the government is thinking of purchasing 10,000 Nano cars and renting them out in Bangalore. The profit will be shared between the government and the driver, at 40:60 ratio respectively. The government may invest for the cars from its own resources or take loans.”
Tata Nano vs Bajaj Autorickshaws
- Both Nano and autorickshaw cost Rs 1.3 lakh on the road.
- While the Nano offers a mileage of 20 kmpl, an autorickshaw returns 25 kmpl.
- Tata Nano emits 101 grams of CO2 per kilometer while 2-stroke and 4-stroke auto-rickshaws emit 87.2 and 85.6 CO2/km respectively. LPG autos’ figures are even less. So autorickshaws are evidently more eco-friendly.
Do you think the move by BMTC is constructive? Or will it blemish the identity of the people’s car? Discuss your views below. You can also connect with me on Twitter.
Speedster 