Montra Electric, the EV brand of Murugappa Group, takes a significant step towards sustainable mobility by being empaneled as one of the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) under the Rejuvenation of Auto-rickshaws in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention (RAAHI) project. This initiative is part of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS) program under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Launched in 2019, the RAAHI scheme aims to replace over 12,000 aging diesel three-wheelers, meticulously selecting beneficiaries reviewed by the Amritsar Smart City Ltd team. Under this program, each recipient is entitled to a subsidy of Rs 1.40 lakh. Opting for the Montra Electric Super Auto enables beneficiaries to receive the full subsidy directly into their accounts, in addition to FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) discounts. Women drivers, specifically, are offered a 90% subsidy on pink electric autos, with their families eligible for skill development courses from NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation).
The RAAHI project focuses on reducing city air pollution levels and is an essential component of CITIIIS, comprising multiple interconnected elements such as electric vehicle charging stations, bolstering the 3-wheeler industry, creating livelihood opportunities, enhancing pedestrian safety, improving first and last-mile connectivity, and promoting cleaner air quality.
To be eligible for RAAHI program benefits, potential drivers must be members of the Amritsar Auto-Rickshaw Drivers Cooperative Society, possessing either an Aadhaar card or a voter card, along with the registration certificate for their previous auto, a valid driving license, and a membership slip from the society.