By Falah al-Fadhli, KUNA,
New Delhi : Over the past ten years, the Indian capital, New Delhi, has developed considerably in view of opening up to international markets and entry of foreign capital.
The active investment movement in New Delhi has stimulated and spurred migration from the countryside to the capital in pursuit of work, making it one of the most overpopulated and chaotic cities.
In spite of recent changes in the city, three-wheeled green-yellow Reksha hiring cars or Tok Tok are still favored by many commuters thanks to its old style, new technology and cheap fare.
It looks like a motorcycle with three wheels and a cabin for passengers. About two or three people can squeeze in somewhat comfortably. It may look awkward, but it’s quite functional.
For narrow streets and alleyways, the Reksha is very practical. Its small size lets it maneuver through these streets with ease and the fares are ideal for low-income commuters who live in densely populated roads which restricted access to most vehicles.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Manish Ramca, a Reksha driver says he has been working as a Reksha driver for almost 30 years.
Low-income people and sometimes foreign tourists prefer to take a Reksha in tours inside the capital due to its small size and ability to overcome traffic congestions, he says.
A Reksha can carry three passengers who do not have to pay much money due to its cheap fare, which amounts to 20 rupees (30 US cents), while other hiring cars cost 60 rupees (one US dollar).
According to a recent Indian court decision aiming to slim air pollution in New Delhi, Reksha drivers have been obliged to use natural compressed gas (NCG), which is one of the best and cleanest types of car fuel.
India has recently begun to export Reksha cars to several countries, including Indonesia and Egypt, thanks to its ability to maneuver through narrow streets and to overcome traffic congestions in overpopulated cities.