The RAAHI (Rejuvenation of Autorickshaw in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention) project aims to replace over 12,000 aging diesel tricycles in Amritsar
The RAAHI (Rejuvenation of Autorickshaw in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention) project aims to replace over 12,000 aging diesel tricycles in Amritsar
Mahindra Electric Mobility announced on Friday that it will deliver over 500 Treo electric auto rickshaws for sustainable last-mile mobility in 12 cities over the next few months.
As part of that effort, the company announced that it handed over the first electric car to a beneficiary in Amritsar on Friday.
The company is one of the original equipment manufacturers supported under the RAAHI project (Rejuvenation of Autorickshaw in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention). The project is part of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A total of 12 cities, including Amritsar, have been selected under the CITIIS program and Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd (MEML) will deliver over 500 Treo electric cars over the next few months, the company said in a statement.
Under the RAAHI project, each beneficiary will receive a subsidy of ₹75,000 at a total expense of ₹108 crore, according to the press release.
When a beneficiary purchases a Treo up front, the full subsidy amount is deposited into their account. For those who choose to buy the EV on loan, ₹15,000 will be credited to their accounts first, and the remaining ₹60,000 will be adjusted in the loan amount, the company said.
In addition, under this scheme, beneficiaries will be offered loans at attractive interest rates with a maximum loan amount of 2.5 lakh for four years, it said.
“Tricycles play a crucial role in last-mile mobility, and the Treo fleet will encourage the use of electric vehicles over internal combustion vehicles, thereby reducing pollution. Along with significantly increased revenue and an improved lifestyle, our rider partners will be trendsetters,” said Suman Mishra, CEO of MEML.
Launched in 2019, the RAAHI project includes six interconnected components – multiple electric car charging stations, strengthening the tricycle sector, livelihood opportunities, pedestrian safety, first and last mile connectivity and better air quality.
The project aims to replace over 12,000 aging diesel tricycles in the city.
All beneficiaries are selected and verified by the Amritsar Smart City Ltd team.
The female beneficiaries are also eligible to take skills development courses, the press release said.
