New Delhi, February 21
At least 1,000 solar rickshaws will be deployed to ferry over 7,000 athletes and their delegates during the Commonwealth Games later this year.

A joint project between the Delhi government and the Central government-run Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), these zero carbon vehicles will help players commute inside the Games village and reach sporting venues from metro stations.

“It’s a unique initiative, where both innovation and concern for environment will be on display,” said Rajesh Kumar, a senior scientist at the CSIR.

“We hope the initiative will be a huge hit among athletes from across the globe. The fleet of 1,000 solar rickshaws will reduce the carbon footprint and provide hassle-free travel to our guest sportsmen,” said Kumar, who has been coordinating with the city government.

These rickshaws are the greenest transport vehicles and help the cause of Green Games as promised by the Delhi government. These are optimally designed, pedal-operated, motor-assisted green pedicabs, which draw their power from overhead solar panels.

Over 7,000 players and delegates from over 70 countries will reach Delhi to be a part of the Commonwealth Games from October 3 to 14 in the Capital.

These vehicles were developed by the CSIR's Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute based in Durgapur.

Kumar said he and his team were working hard to popularise the vehicle and would hold a rally in its favour. “We are going to hold a rally of at least 50 solar rickshaws in Delhi to create awareness among people about the vehicle that reduces human drudgery and improves environment.” — IANS