Sukoon: The new shelter on wheels

There is a top light as well to help rickshaw pullers see inside the net during night Photo by: Meeta Ahlawat 

The seat of the rickshaw can be converted into a comfortable bed at night. There are other benefits as well Photo by: Meeta Ahlawat

The cost of the rickshaw is around Rs 16,000 which is almost double the cost of the existing rickshaw. The aim is have the rickshaw pullers own the rickshaw. "Most of the existing rickshaws are not owned by rickshaw pullers. They give a daily rent of around Rs 50 to a contractor for a substandard vehicle," says Amod Kumar of St Stephen's Hospital. We are working on a model where the rickshaw puller will have to deposit the same amount everyday to a micro-finance institute for around 18 months after which the rickshaw will be his," adds Kumar. The developers are also exploring the options of health and life insurance for the pullers.Photo by: Meeta Ahlawat

The rickshaw has a front light also to help drive the vehicle during nightPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

A mosquito net has been provided to protect the rickshaw pullers from mosquitoesPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

To meet the energy needs, a solar panel has been put on the top to power all the electrical appliancesPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

There is also a fan and a mobile charger fittedPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

Chief minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, launched the new convertible cycle rickshaws on October 23. Called sukoon (peace) these rickshaws are jointly developed by mother non-profit of St Stephen’s Hospital, the physics department of St Stephen’s college and Deshardt solutions, a private firmPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

A water bottle holder has been provided under the seat of the rickshaw pullerPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

Arrangements have been made to entertain them as well. The new rickshaw comes fitted with FM radioPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

The rickshaws offer a comfortable option to the pullers who generally sleep in the vehicle during the night because they are either homeless or want to save it from getting stolenPhoto by: Meeta Ahlawat

The rickshaw pullers can store their belongings at the back in a specially created space for the same Photo by: Meeta Ahlawat