Tourists feel safe as sisters drive e-rickshaws; Successful operation of electric vehicles proved to be beneficial for the environment Tourists feel safe as sisters drive e-rickshaws; Successful operation of electric vehicles proved to be beneficial for the environment

“A year ago we were just ordinary rural housewives who did housework and had tribal identity. Ever since the central and state government started this e-rickshaw project in Ektanagar (Kevadia), we have been taking tourists by e-rickshaw to meet the demand of local and foreign tourists visiting the project in and around the Statue of Unity. By driving e-rickshaws, we have been financially supported and we have become self-sufficient in providing financial support to the family. The introduction of e-rickshaws in Kevadia has not only brought economic prosperity to our family, but the forest area and environment in the groves of Satapuda and Vindhyachal have not been harmed either. With the greenness of the forest area being preserved, tourists from home and abroad also enjoy and have fun. Happiness has come from prosperity in our family”.

This expression of determination and confidence belongs to local tribal sisters successfully driving a pink rickshaw at the Statue of Unity, which has become a world tourist destination. So the saying of Narmade Sarvade is coming true in real sense.

Expressed the determination to run battery operated vehicles with the good intention of reducing pollution in SOUADTGA area. The dream was realized in August-2021 itself, as many as 10 women-driven e-rickshaws were initially implemented. Which is running on the highway of Ektanagar today. In a phased manner, ARTO-Narmada issued rickshaw driving license to the women of the surrounding villages by giving formal training to women pilots of e-rickshaw operation at the Ekta Skill Development Center in Wagdia.

After proper driving training, e-rickshaws were increased. Today, local tribal women are providing a flexible and safe facility to tourists from all over the country and Gujarat by means of around 90 e-rickshaws in the entire Statue of Unity premises. It may be mentioned here that as many as 42 electric vehicles are also being operated for the transportation of the officials of the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Regulatory Authority-Ektanagar (SOUADTGA).

Pink e-rickshaw Neelamben Tadvi of Wagdia village expressed happiness and said that tourists coming here are liking e-rickshaw very much. Tourists are also feeling very happy and happy to see the sisters driving the rickshaw. Driving this e-rickshaw makes us very happy. This is the only area. Where only the sisters are driving so many rickshaws together and getting employment and moving forward with determination towards self-sufficiency. This e-rickshaw is becoming an excellent means of employment for the sisters around Kevadia. Getting a job driving an e-rickshaw has also increased our respect in our family. We are extremely happy that we have been able to help financially transport a self-supporting family through e-rickshaw.