Rise Up Foundation E-Auto Demonstration in Mandi: Putting the Auto Driver First

Mandi, a bustling town in Himachal Pradesh, took a significant step towards a cleaner, greener, and noise-free future with the Rise Up Foundation’s Electric Auto Demonstration. On 2nd and 3rd April, the foundation organized a two-day event at Beas Sadan Mandi, specifically targeting the petrol auto drivers of the region.
The E-Auto Demonstration was the culmination of three years of extensive research conducted at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. Its aim was to introduce electric three-wheelers as an alternative to traditional petrol-powered autos.
The event was inaugurated by ADC Mandi, Jatin Lal, who highlighted the importance of embracing environmentally friendly transportation options. He commended the efforts of Rise Up Foundation and the collaboration between various stakeholders to bring about this positive change for the environment and the town of Mandi.
Previously, petrol auto drivers in Mandi operated under old permits. However, thanks to the initiative taken by Rise Up, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, IIT Mandi, IEEE Smart Village, Auto Union Mandi, Mahindra, and Piaggio, these drivers will now have the opportunity to learn about electric vehicle technology and experience E-Autos firsthand.
During the two-day demonstration, the petrol auto operators gathered at Beas Sadan to familiarize themselves with the technology and address any misconceptions they may have had about electric vehicles. This hands-on experience aimed to enable them to make informed decisions and potentially transition to E-Autos in the future.
One of the significant advantages of adopting electric autos is the potential for increased income and reduced operational costs. Replacing petrol autos with electric vehicles could decrease operating expenses by almost a factor of 10, offering a significant boost to the operators’ livelihoods.
In a remarkable announcement during his inaugural address, the Chairman of Rise Up Foundation revealed that a grant of Rs 25,000 would be provided to the first two petrol auto drivers who choose to exchange their old petrol autos for electric autos.
Additionally, Rise Up Foundation is actively working to establish charging stations across Mandi town. These stations will be strategically located at petrol auto stands, allowing electric auto drivers to charge their vehicles while they are idle, ensuring a seamless transition to electric mobility.
The event saw the presence of several prominent figures, including RTO Mandi Krishan Chand, Surender Mohan (Chairman of Rise Up Foundation), Rajan Kapoor (Senior Vice President of IEEE Smart Village, Piscataway NJ, USA), Superintendent/ARTO Raman Sharma, representatives from the HP State Cooperative Bank, Aakash Sharma (Operations Manager at Rise Up), Dharmesh (Sales Head, Mahindra), Khushvir (Sales Head, Piaggio), Om Parkash (President, Auto Union), and officials from Indian Overseas Bank.
The Rise Up Foundation’s Electric Auto Demonstration marks a significant milestone in Mandi’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. By prioritizing the needs of auto drivers and introducing them to the benefits of electric vehicles, this initiative aims to pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for the town and its residents.