Risky ‘jugaad’ hits the road in Dhanbad

DHANBAD: Locally made three-wheelers, known as Jugaad gadi or Jharjharia is becoming popular among small transporters of the coal belt and also posing threat to the environment. Over 100 such vehicles are plying on the roads of Dhanbad carrying goods like bamboo, construction materials, cattle feed, etc with no registration number, pollution certificate or insurance papers.
Available at Rs 65,000, the vehicles can be easily purchased from Bankura in West Bengal or Nawada in Bihar. According to the drivers, these vehicles with imported Chinese engine running on conveyor belt, are capable of carrying a load of one ton at an unbelievable mileage of 22 km/litre.
“Jugaad is emerging as a very popular vehicle among small transporters due to its cost and mileage. Repairing cost is low and spares are easily available in the market. I have more than 100 clients in Dhanbad and many come from the neighbouring districts,” said Munna, the only Jugaad mechanic in Dhanbad.
“We have noticed these vehicles on the road and are planning to seize them. Their prototype is not approved and violates rules. It is also a loss to the government as no revenue comes from these vehicles. It may cause accident any time, due to the way it is manufactured,” said district transport officer, Ravi Raj, on being asked if these vehicles are legally plying on the roads.