Convertible rickshaws launched

NEW DELHI: A cycle rickshaw which can be converted into a night shelter for homeless and having features like reading light, FM radio, a small electric fan and a mobile charging port was on Tuesday unveiled by chief minister Sheila Dikshit.
The cycle rickshaw, named as ‘Sukun’ (relief) has been developed by St Stephen’s College to provide shelter to homeless rickshaw pullers of the city.Dikshit said the unique innovation would go a long way in improving lives of homeless rickshaw pullers as they would not require to sleep on the footpaths and road dividers.
The convertible rickshaw would cost around Rs 15,000, more than double of a conventional rickshaw, which costs around Rs 7,000. Officials said a micro finance scheme would be launched under which a rickshaw owner will have to pay a daily installment of Rs 50 which will mean an EMI of Rs 1,500.