According to a lot of experts, quadricycles have the potential of improving the traffic chaos caused due to crowded roads. This means of transport will help bridge the gap between the three wheeled auto rickshaw and the four wheeled cars, something that every citizen can not afford. Quadricyles, in the West, are considered to be expensive and novelties but the market of a developing urban India is totally different. Experts believe that they are going to prove to be modified and better performing than three wheelers. The drawbacks of auto rickshaws are quite evident and known but there is no plausible alternative for people who travel using public transport. The emissions of these rickshaws are not controlled and have consequently affected the environment in the worst possible manner. Moreover, there is always a question of safety associated with motor tricycles. On the other hand, quadricycles are cleaner, consume less energy and are high on performance.
Presently, Bajaj Auto is the only automobile company that has designed a quadricycle, under the name of RE60 which is expected to reach the showrooms by end of 2013. Interestingly, Bajaj Auto happens to be the leading manufacturing company of two and three wheelers. Experts feel that with the coming of RE60, it will mark its presence in the four wheeler market as well. The government was keen on categorising this means of transport as a commercial vehicle under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and subsequently, issued a notification recently. This notification was passed on the grounds that it is larger in size than an auto rickshaw and less in comparison to a car. The shares of Bajaj Auto seemed to have risen after the announcement was made.
Rumours suggest that automobile companies like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, have opposed the advent of quadricycle on the roads of India. As per the notification, the quadricycles can be used transportation of goods and masses on city roads but not on highways. The quadricycle shouldn't weight more than 450 kg when used for commuting public and 550 kg when goods are being carried. The government has provided a period of 30 days to invite objections or suggestions and a final decision can be expected by October. Post the final order, the quadricycles would be found running on the roads.
When carrying goods, the Government permits two seats for the driver and a passenger. On the other hand, if a quadricycle is being used for transporting people, three individuals per seat would be allowed. The maximum length prescribed is 3 metre for a quadricycle used to take people from one place to another whereas the one used for carrying goods can be 3.7 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. A lot of discussions have taken place for the roof definition and the Government has come to the conclusion that cloth, plastic or rexin shall not be used to cover the roof and the sides of the vehicle. There were talks that even the safety features would be stated, which could be similar to that of a car. However, to the relief of the firm, no such measures were mentioned. Putting this into perspective, RE60 will have to follow the emissions norms stated for auto rickshaws, which are easy to follow as against the typical and complex Bharat Stage III and Bharat Stage IV standards.
Bajaj RE60 is equipped with a 216 cc petrol engine giving a fuel efficiency of 40 kmpl. This means of transport could prove as a boon to the public transport users. A lot of state authorities have shown interest in introducing this new vehicle on the Indian roads.
