By Lokendra Singh Todabhim (Dausa) Rajasthan, July 6 (ANI): If you happen to visit Rajasthan, the chances are that you may come across some odd-looking vehicles zooming past the roads, particularly in Daua and Bharatpur districts of the State.
Known as "Jugad", these transportation vehicles have been prepared by local mechanics, here. The local public here has well received these vehicles.
These are used for local transportation of agricultural produce from villages to small town and people from one place to another.
According to the manufacturers of Jugad, their innovative marvel can match any regular tractor or pick up van in terms of capacity, fuel efficiency and speed. It is the first choice of farmers in the region. Owners' of Jugads are by and large satisfied since its maintenance cost is cheap. It costs anywhere between rupees 60,000 and 70,000 for a new Jugad.
"We used to use these motors for water pumps but now it is being used for the Jugad. It gives a good average and consumes a litre of petrol having a 114 horse power," said Sajid Ali, a mechanic.
"Around six to seven Jugads are made in a Dausa region per day. Its specialty is that it takes good load, carries people and is used for cattle purposes. It is useful for the farmers and at a low cost gives good maintenance which has made it successful," said Arif Hussain," said Jugad manufacturer.
Todabhim town near Dausa district produces more than 2,000 Jugads per year. Presently, there are over 20 workshops where over 700 skilled and unskilled locals are engaged in creating Jugads, which operate on 114 Hp (horse power) engine. It can run at a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour while carrying 40 passengers. This rural utility vehicle, however, is not a registered vehicle in the State. Many of the fabricated and assembled Jugads are sold in States like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
The vehicle owners feel that the Government should help them in this sector so that they can make better vehicles without holding an engineering degree.
"There are 200 workshops in which 600-700 workers work but with fewer facilities. One needs to learn here and then start earning here on daily wages. Government has no consideration towards us. Nobody here holds an engineering degree but the technical skills are perfect and work goes on smoothly," said Kailash, another Jugad-maker.
In the last one-decade, Jugads have drawn immense popularity and acceptance here. (ANI)
