Assam Launches App-Based Electric Bike Booking System

Assam State Corp And Bycosi Ecotech Launches E-Bike Services. Photo by-Freepik

The Assam State Corporation of India (ASTC) has developed an online mobile application (app – based service) to book electric bike for its cities with the support of Bycosi Ecotech Pvt Ltd, a Guwahati-based social enterprise.  

Assam has already rolled out electric buses earlier with the partnership from Tata Motors. It has now introduced electric bikes to decarbonize transportation in the state. Assam Transportation Minister recently launched Parimal Suklabaidya launched the e-bike taxi and delivery services. This could be booked and managed by the Baayu ASTC application. This comes on the lines of the NITI Aayog’s zero pollution mobility plan. 

As per the plan of the government, these fully electric bikes will be available in the state through a decentraslised mode. Unlike the other popular commercial ride hailing applications, the amount paid through these app by the users will go directly to the bank accounts of the drivers by not diverting the commissions to the app managers. The state government anticipate that the move could encourage the commuters in the state to choose the electric bikes a mode of transport. This, the state government said that could reduce the dependency of the transport sector from fossil-fuel based vehicles. 

The services in the initial phase have been rolled out in Guwahati and likely to be extended across the state in phased manner. In other commercial ride hailing apps, the companies involved charge a good share from the charge paid by the users, depriving the drivers of the full benefits. The new app, boosted the state transport department is likely to bring more income to the drivers who wanted to be a part of the new electric ride hailing service.  

The Managing Director of Assam State Corporation, Rahul Das, said, “We need to change the transport landscape by root out the diesel busses in a phased manner. For that we need to infuse good quality busses and electric vehicles. Initially, we received funds. Last year, the Assam government under the Smart City fund and the GSL funds launched 100 of CNG buses. The government this year on 1st January gifted 200 EVs for Guwahati in the suburban areas. This is done to make the entire public transport energy dependent.

He further explained, “Assam Transport minister, Parimal Suklabaidya, launched the App to facilitate the same. We have started our own app services like Ola, Uber, because of the inconvenience that many passengers are facing. It has been accepted by the people very well. This E-Bike is totally a green initiative. Initially it has been rolled out for Guwahati with plans to move around all over the state.” 

“It’s also because of the electric infra that is comes under the Assam Transport department. In collaboration with Tata Power and others we are also setting up charging stations all over the state,” he added.