Road Minister Oscar Fernandes meets auto cos, officials on quadricycle issues

NEW DELHI: Road Minister Oscar Fernandes today discussed issues pertaining to allowing the plying of a special category vehicle, quadricycle, at a meeting with officials from other ministries, Delhi Police and auto firms including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.

"It was informal interaction with the officials from other ministries, Delhi Police and representatives from auto companies. We gave them an opportunity to express concerns and give comments or even suggestions if any," Fernandes told PTI.

On whether some companies expressed apprehensions over the proposal, he said: "That you have to ask the companies... I can't say." Seven auto companies were present at the meeting.

The government in May this year had allowed the plying of quadricycles in the national capital.

The Road Ministry decided to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) to include quadricycle as an additional category vehicle to be manufactured and registered in India.

Quadricycles, four-wheeled vehicle with fully enclosed body structure and hard top, are considered to be safer than three-wheelers. Their maximum speed limit and engine capacity are lower than a that of a small car.

An identification symbol "Q" will be prominently displayed on the body of the quadricyles.

They will be recommended for registration under commercial transport category for intra-city movement within the municipal limits only and these vehicles will be permitted to be driven only by licensed driver after due registration.

Auto major Bajaj Auto is likely to reap the benefits of this decision. The company had last year unveiled a quadricycle codenamed RE60, which is powered by a 200 cc petrol engine with a top speed of 70 kmph and with a mileage of 35 kmpl.