India’s first Electric ‘Green Rally’ on NO Petrol YObykes was kicked off on Wednesday by Mr. Kanaji Thakor(Mayor, Ahmedabad) and Mr. Mukesh Bhandari(Chairman & CTO, Electrotherm) from Ahmedabad. After traveling distance of around 1200 km, the Rally will end at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Sunday, 31st January 2010.
A team of four riders led by Mr. Mahesh Kumar Kalakar, known for his participation in long-distance rallies for the various social causes, is undertaking this daunting task. Mr. Kalakar and his team are launching this initiative to create awareness about the hazards of climate change and to promote NO Petrol YObykes as environment friendly, reliable and economical mode of personal commutation for the common man.
While flagging off the rally, Mr. Mukesh Bhandari, Chairman & Chief Technical Officer, Electrotherm(India) Ltd, said, “Pollution has become a major cause of concern and if we don’t pay proper attention to this burning issue, the survival of the mankind will be at stake one day. Initiatives like this two-wheeler rally are must to create awareness about the issue among the general public. If a larger section of the society comes forward to adopt this new age means of transportation, it will certainly lead to a better quality of life.”
Giving more details about the rally, Mr. Mukesh Bhandari said, “The rally, organized with a theme of ‘Green India, Clean India’, will pass through cities like Himmatnagar, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur and Gurgaon and reach Delhi on January 31, 2010. On an average, the participants, riding on YOEXL ER bikes, will travel a distance of around 100 km per day.”
“Mr Kalakar has participated in such rallies earlier and his significant contribution was acknowledged by Honorable President & Prime minister of India. He is going on this mission for the sake of environment and electric vehicle category, ” he added.
Commenting on the Initiative, Mr. Kalakar said, “We choose NO Petrol YObykes for the rally as NO Petrol YObykes helps the common man by providing cost effective & safe mode of transportation without causing any air and noise pollution. By this 1200km ‘Green Ride’, we want to convey the message that NO Petrol YObykes are reliable and durable for the common man.”
Asserting that for the success of environment friendly electric vehicles, government support is must, Mr. Shailesh Bhandari, Managing Director, Electrotherm India Ltd., said, “Government support is very critical for the growth of the electric two wheelers in India; China is the biggest example. Currently in China, there would be more than 50 million vehicles on road, and this has happened due to the Government support by way of lower taxes. Also with more EV’s on road, the Government will save precious petrol too. If we take a ball park estimate of 100000 NO Petrol YObykes on road, the government will save forex to the tune of approx$20000000 per year.
Much needed Government support has already started coming in from a few environmentally conscious states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Lakshadeep, etc. to name a few, in the form of RTO exemption / reduction, VAT reduction and subsidies to consumer in the order to promote electric two wheelers. More state/central government support in this direction will encourage even more customers to start using this cost effective and pollution-free vehicle.”