ITDP, an organisation promoting non-motorised means of sustainable and equitable transport round the globe, has joined heads with the Delhi-based Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD) and American funding agency USAID, for Project Chakra.

Launched in Agra owing to the pollution threat to the Taj, which resulted in a ban on taxis and buses within four kilometres radius of the monument in 1994, ITDP wants to take Project Chakra to other parts of India depending on the response it evokes in the pilot stage. ``There have been enthusiasticbusiness enquiries from manufacturers in Lucknow and Ahmedabad,'' claims Walter Hook, executive director, ITDP.

Unlike bicycle technology, which advanced dramatically in the 1980s through the introduction of lightweight raw material, cycle rickshaws have not changed since the 1940s, when ordinary cycles were welded and bolted to heavy steel and wood chassis-seat configurations. The new rickshaws score over those being pulled by more than 30 lakh pullers in the country in durability, comfort and lightness. The main improvements are in the areas of:Lightness: The use of GI pipes in the new models has brought their weight down to 55 kgs, as against the existing 90 kgs.

Competitive price: The new model costs Rs 4,500, about the same as the traditional vehicle, but provides storage space under the seat, reflectors for night-time safety and a new gear system that dramatically reduces pedalling effort, as further pluses.

Better design: The ergonomically correct saddles and mountain-bike handlebars reduce wriststrain and the wider chassis lends stability and makes it easier to get on and alight. Wider, comfortable nylon-webbing seats act as shock-absorbers. The rear wheel axle is aligned with the chassis, thus decreasing friction and wear.

Seats: The seats have been widened to 36 inches from the existing 25 inches; nylon webbing has been added to absorb shock and ventilate -- it is also lighter and more comfortable than the standard wood and steel spring cushioned seat.

The earlier model had a heavy wooden structure, large cast-iron chassis, no gears and uncomfortable seats. This took a heavy toll on the health of the puller. The lighter structure reduces the pressure on the driver's heart and its sleekness cuts down on the wind drag factor.

Hook feels the new rickshaws have helped fuel the tourist economy in Agra. ``Over 35 pullers are already plying their new vehicles in Agra and have reported increased profits and less fatigue,'' he says.

Four models have been launched keeping in mind the economic statusof the buyers. The first is the retrofit, just the frontal portion with the gears to be fitted to an existing unit. The second is the new vehicle. The third is a `schoolbus' that can carry 10-12 children. The fourth and last is meant to carry cargo.

A big design improvement comes from the fact that the new rickshaws provide shorter reach than the existing British design, which was built for British cyclists, who were typically taller than the average Indian driver.

Hook wants to launch the rickshaws in the Capital for the over 2,50,00 pullers operating here, but has run into a surprisingly funny situation. The new rickshaws don't fit into the scheme of licensing by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. ``For some strange reason, it is not the transport department that issues licenses to the pullers, but the veterinary one. This can be a throwback to the horse tonga days,'' he reckons.