The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, Ramagundam, which leads the way in environment protection, has gone a step ahead and introduced e-bicycles to reduce fuel consumption and check air pollution in the township.
The NTPC Ramagundam, in collaboration with a start-up EPICK Bikes, has introduced 20 e-bicycles on a pilot basis. The e-bicycles are located at five different stations in the township.
To avail the service, one has to download EPICK BIKES app from Appstore or Playstore.
By entering the bike ID on the mobile app, an OTP would be sent to the registered mobile number through which the bike’s electronic lock can be opened.
Once the trip ends, one has to return the bike to the same station from where it is taken, lock it and plug-in the charger.
Aradh Vemula, a representative of the start-up, said the e-bicycles are introduced on sharing and rental basis. The NTPC employees have been asked to download the app and make use of the service, he said and added that the bicycles are GPS-enabled and are only permitted to travel within the township.
NTPC Ramagundam Executive Director Ravindra said the initiative was part of the Smart Township programme aimed at protecting the environment. Elaborating on the features of the bicycles, he said they operate in three modes – throttle, pedal and pedal assist – and added that the new facility would be beneficial from the environment and health point of view.
General Manager (Telangana State) P.K. Laad said the employees can book an e-bike through EPICK BIKES app.
On the other hand, the NTPC Ramagundam has set up an electric charging station at its township to encourage its employees to use electric cars to save fuel and reduce pollution.