Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology launched an environment-friendly postal delivery vehicle ‘Postal Soleckshaw’ in New Delhi on July 9, 2010. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is the endeavor of the Ministry to use green technology for delivering services in efficient and eco-friendly manner. He said that this effort is a step forward towards the Government’s efforts to modernize and digitize the India Post Services under Project Arrow. Availability of this vehicle will add to the efficiency of postal agents and will also give them a sense of pride.

As a Pilot Project, Soleckshaw will be introduced soon in the Project Arrow post offices in a city of Rajasthan. Shri Pilot mentioned that the Ministry would evaluate the performance of the vehicle within few months and will explore the possibility of its expansion on larger scale.

Soleckshaw is a solar-power assisted, pedal-operated cycle rickshaw developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR). It reduces the rickshaw puller’s effort by providing battery assistance. It is still a zero carbon emission vehicle. The batteries are charged by solar power at charging stations. Technology has been transferred to multiple entrepreneurs and Soleckshaws are currently plying at Delhi (Chandni Chowk), Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ranchi, Kolkata and Ahmadabad.

Recently, M/s Kinetic Motors in association with Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR) has re-designed and developed a modified version of Soleckshaw specifically suitable as a light delivery vehicle, particularly useful for delivery of post, parcels and other postal services both in urban and rural areas.

A Postman is likely to carry more parcels for delivery than ordinary mails. A survey in Pune found that each postman covers an area of around 40-45 kms and carries an average weight of 10-15 kgs per day

Mrs Sulajja Firodia Motwani informed that M/s Kinetic Motors started preparing production schedule for the pilot vehicles.