Thiruvananthapuram: 'Kerala Neem G' autorickshaws manufactured by the state-run Kerala Automobile Limited (KAL) will hit the streets of Nepal soon. Nepal has ordered for the eco-friendly electric 'Neem G autorickshaws.'
As an initial phase, 25 'Neem G auto rickshaws' have been despatched from Thiruvananthapuram, by truck, on Tuesday. The first truck carrying the consignment has left from Thiruvananthapuram Central - Stadium for Nepal and is expected to reach Nepal in 12 days.
As of now, Nepal has given the order for 500 'Neem G autos' from KAL on a yearly basis. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also approached KAL for the 'Neem G auto-rickshaws.' Discussions are still on with these countries.
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Earlier, states including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had approached KAL for e-autos. State Minister for Industries, E P Jayarajan said Rs 5 crores would be allotted to KAL as part of the COVID relief package. In addition, women in the state would also be provided with the 'Neem G auto rickshaws' in association with the Women’s Self Help Groups, the Minister said.
The aim of KAL is to manufacture and bring out as many as 7200 e-autos every year. The cost of a 'Neem G auto rickshaw' is Rs 2,85,000. The State government would also provide a subsidy of Rs 30,000 as part of promoting eco-friendly means of transport.
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