Bhuban: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) General Manager NS Raman inaugurated Bishu Maharana’s workshop here Wednesday.
Bishu had attracted attention for developing an e-bike, a two-wheeler he named ‘Battery Bike’. The bike runs on electricity and can cover a distance of approximately 100 km once the batteries are fully charged.
Once Bishu’s invention got public attention he was called to New 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 assistance so that he can continue his project.
Everyone is aware of the pollution caused by vehicle emissions and the ever increasing fuel price. So 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.
They underlined the need for e-bikes. They praised the initiative taken by Bishu to develop an e-bike and urged rural youth to come up with inventions that will solve both fuel and pollution problems.
In his address, Raman said Bishu will be provided with financial help if he needs it in future and that money will not be a constraint.
“We will extend all possible help while assessing the progress of the project,” he said, adding that once e-bikes start rolling out of the workshop, IOC would take steps for its marketing.
Bishu said that he managed to achieve success through hard work. “I will continue working with determination. I hope I will have customers for my product,” said Bishu. He was not ready to comment on the pricing of the product and when they would be available in the market.
PNN