Postman goes places, in cars

Kerala’s postmen are in the driver's seat — not in their rickety bicycles but in new-age electric cars, reports Ramesh Babu.

Kerala’s postmen are in the driver's seat — not in their rickety bicycles but in new-age electric cars.

HT Image

The country's first electric car manufacturer, Reva Electric Car Company Ltd, has inked an agreement with the state postal circle to deliver posts. Initially, three cars will be pressed into service in Thiruvananthapuram in the first week of April.

After the dry runs, it will be formally inaugurated on April 15, 'Vishu', the harvest festival. These red cars will cover 60-100 km on a single day with a driver and a postman.

"This is a landmark occasion in the 150-year history of the Indian postal service. These cars are best-suited for Thiruvananthapuram city and its suburbs that are dotted with innumerable lanes and by-lanes," Kerala postal circle chief Uday Balakrishnan said. After gauging the success of the plan, more urban areas will be covered.

The Reva, a zero emission car that seats two people has high manoeuverability and good pickup. "We are happy to tie-up with one of the oldest sectors of the country. Our vehicles will definitely help improve the existing service," said S.K. Maini, chairman of the Maini Group, which manufactures the cars in India.

Currently, the postal service in London uses electric cars to deliver speed posts.