Tata's Nano to roll out as taxis in Kashmir

If the Jammu and Kashmir government has its way, Tata's cheapest small car Nano will be rolled out as taxi here, first time ever in the country since it was launched in 2009.

If the Jammu and Kashmir government has its way, Tata's cheapest small car Nano will be rolled out as taxi here, first time ever in the country since it was launched in 2009.

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The Jammu and Kashmir transport department is mulling over the idea after private players came up with a proposal to use Nano as commercial vehicle given roadways in Srinagar and Jammu cities.

"The state transport department has received proposals from private players intending to use Nano as a commercial vehicle to ferry passengers," said state transport commissioner Mehraj Kakroo.

The private players have offered to charge on the tariff line of autorickshaws. "Nano car is four seater, completely covered unlike auto rickshaws. In winters with sub-zero temperature outside, people prefer not to hire autorickshaws," said Asif Ahmad, one of the private players interested in investing in Nano as taxi.

The government is working out a plan to give green signal to Nano as commercial vehicle. The government is considering Nano's contribution to tourism industry also. It may make travel less expensive and easily accessible in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu.

Kashmir will be first state in the country to have Rs 1 Lakh middle class car, meant to replace two wheelers, to use it for commercial purposes. It is to be seen if the government decision will affect Nano's charm as private vehicle or people will continue to drive the world's cheapest car.