The future is here and it has come to Goa. A future that could mean a quieter and cleaner Goa. A mode of transport propelled by electricity has now come to Goa. The green path to development has been an option that has been gaining acceptance around the world. Recently the Dutch parliament ruled that all transport in the country would be electric by 2025. India hopes to do so by 2030.
The venture in Goa could help several problems with one stroke. The State suffers from a rather poorly developed transport system and unemployment amongst the youth. the promoter behind the venture, Vineet J Mehra, managing director, DOT said the decision to launch in Goa was driven by the fact there were several dark gaps in the State that were not connected by the transport services.
In addition, with training from DOT, local youth can drive the auto’s or bikes around and transport people. There can also be people who can stock the batteries or allow their existing business points to be re-charging points for the scooters or autos. This service will also be excellent for first and last mile connectivity.
Instead of wasting time discussing costs or bargaining the fare with an autorickshaw driver, commuters can switch to DOT’s reliable e-bike taxi service that has standard and fixed costs. There’s transparency and no room for wastage of time. Whether one books a ride through the My DOT app, by dialling the prescribed number or by simply flagging the service down on the road, one can be assured of a smooth and safe ride. The focus is on first and last mile connectivity and Goa, we all know, has a serious problem on that score.
Vineet Mehra said “We felt the need for a reliable and cost effective transport option for last mile connectivity. The need for efficiency in reaching the desired destination safely within a prescribed, reasonable time frame is a problem area that DOT addresses. In a city especially like Delhi/NCR, the high number of vehicles present often leads to long traffic snarls which can often make this difficult. The newly introduced e-bikes are the perfect antidote for both challenges combined with transport solutions which are easier on the environment and work to reduce carbon emissions.”
Vineet forcefully articulated DOT’s focus on necessary background checks for selected drivers for e-bikes, along with necessary training, and regular checks, with added security measures like GPS devices installed in the e-bikes. The bikes take anywhere between 4 to 6 hours to recharge. If one does not want to waith, the lithium batteries can be exchanged with fully charged ones for a fee which will be set by DOT.
At present there are 1000 bikes out in the market, specifically in Delhi and Gurgaon. This is expected to be ramped up to 5000 all over India in 3 months. Vineet hopes there will be 10,000 all over the country by the year end. The initiative is going abroad with 7 new countries in South Asia expected to have these scooters by the end of the year. They intend to target 21 countries by 2017. The parts of the scooter are made in China but are assembled in India. The company expects to unveil a new model specifically designed for the Indian market by Singapore.
This auto and scooter is being promoted in Goa by Lalit Deshpade of Infra-Red Coastal Ventures Private Limited. The e-vehicles, he believes, are ideal for the State. He hopes to sell approximately 5000 2, 3, and 4 wheelers. Lalit and Vinnet said they were looking for help from the government in terms of outlets for charging the vehicles. They were not looking for any financial handouts from the government.
DOT’s electric vehicles have been operating successfully in Gurgaon and Delhi and has completed 1,00,000 kms. The duo will hope they experience similar success in Goa. DOT has plans to launch a electric bus as well as a truck in addition to a waste management system.
For the sake of the future of Goa, one should hope they are successful. These ventures will help the state retain its distinctive appeal which attracts tourists from all over the country and yes the world too.
