A solar-powered tricycle fabricated by a group of engineering students from S.R.K.R. Engineering College here helps the physically challenged defy their disability and move around freely like any other normal person.
The students developed the vehicle with a financial aid of Rs. 50,000, extended by the Institute of Engineers, Kolkata, in a period of six months under the guidance of V. Durga Prasad, Professor in Civil Engineering. The students involved in the project were Vivek, Lokesh, Bhavishya, Sudha, Chandini and Sadgun, all from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Eco-friendlyA battery fitted to the tricycle stores solar power and helps it run for 5-6 hours. Mr. Durga Prasad said the tricycle could accommodate two-persons, including the driver, and run at a speed ranging between 15-20 km. He said the solar power-based tricycle was developed in their college when only hand-driven vehicles were in use. It is 100 per cent eco-friendly and pollution free, he asserted. Mr. Durga Prasad said the upgraded tricycle could run manually and with solar power as well. The college principal D. Ganga Raju appreciated the students for their novel initiative.
According to Mr. Durga Prasad, the college management has permitted the Department of Mechanical Engineering to fabricate the latest version of the tricycles in large numbers, depending on the demand from the physically challenged. A few physically challenged students of the college are using the power-based tricycle presently.
