Mahindra Electric to deliver e-autorickshaws to support pollution-control drive in Amritsar

Mahindra Electric Mobility on Friday said it will deliver over 500 Treo electric autorickshaws in the next few months to support a pollution-control programme in Amritsar.

As part of its effort to ensure sustainable last mile mobility, the company said it handed over the first e-auto to one of the beneficiaries of the programme on Friday.

The company is one of the empanelled original equipment manufacturers under the RAAHI (Rejuvenation of Autorickshaw in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention) project. The project is part of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) programme under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

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A total of 12 cities, including Amritsar, have been selected under the CITIIS programme, and Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd (MEML) will deliver over 500 Treo electric autos over the next few months, the company said in a statement.

Under RAAHI project, a subsidy of Rs 75,000 is given to each beneficiary, with a total outlay of Rs 108 crore, as per the release.

If a beneficiary buys a Treo by paying upfront, the full subsidy amount will be deposited in his/her account. For those opting to buy the e-auto on loan, Rs 15 000 is credited in their accounts initially and the balance Rs 60,000 will be adjusted in the loan amount, the company said.

Moreover, beneficiaries will be offered loans at attractive interest rates under this scheme with a maximum loan amount of Rs 2.5 Lakh for four years, it said.

"Three-wheelers play a pivotal role in last mile mobility, and the Treo fleet will promote usage of electric vehicles over internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, thereby reducing pollution. Along with significantly higher earnings and improved lifestyles, our driver partners will be trendsetters," said Suman Mishra, CEO, MEML.

Launched in 2019, RAAHI project has six interlinked components - multiple electric auto charging stations, strengthening of the three-wheeler sector, livelihood opportunities, pedestrian safety, first and last mile connectivity, and better air quality.

The project aims to replace over 12,000 ageing diesel three-wheelers in the city.

All beneficiaries are selected and scrutinised by the Amritsar Smart City Ltd team.

The female beneficiaries are also eligible to avail skill development courses, the release said.