Bhuban: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) general manager NS Raman inaugurated here Wednesday, Bishu Maharana’s workshop, the man who achieved recognition for developing an E-bike, a two-wheeler he named ‘Battery Bike’. The bike runs on power and can cover a distance of approximately 100kms once the batteries are fully charged.
Once Bishu’s achieved got public attention he was called to Delhi by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development. The minister directed HPCL CMD Sanjeev Singh to give Bishu Rs 5,00,000 as financial assistance so that he could continue with his developmental work.
Everyone is aware of the pollution is caused by vehicular emission. At the same time the ever-increasing fuel price is making a severe dent in the customer’s pockets. Hence, Bishu’s invention has come as a boon to many.
Among others who attended the inaugural function were IOC human resources officer Debi Prasad Satapathy, ex-block chairman Shatrughna Jena and Premananda Jena.
The guests while addressing the gathering underlined the necessity of e-bike in the present scenario. They praised the initiative taken by Bishu to develop an e-bike and urged the rural youth to come up with inventions that will go a long way in solving both fuel and pollution problems.
In his address, Raman said Bishu will be provided with financial help if he needs so in future and money will not be a constraint for a dedicated worker like him. “We will extend all possible help while assessing the progress of the project,” he said adding that once e-bikes started rolling out of the workshop, IOC would take steps for the marketing.
Bishu said that he has managed to achieve success because of hard work and self-belief. “I will continue working with the same determination. I just hope I will have customers for my product,” stated Bishu. However, at this moment he was not ready to comment on the pricing of the product and when they would be available in the market.
PNN