A month after trials of e-rickshaws plying till the hill station of Matheran as first reported by mid-day, the vehicles finally entered the eco-sensitive zone on Wednesday, and were taken to all popular tourist points for trial rides with officials in tow. The gradient climb tests in the hills with the monitoring team will now continue for three months, before public introduction.

More trials to be held

Six companies were chosen to send e-rickshaws for trial, of which five participated. Of these, vehicles of two could not complete the initial trial satisfactorily. Once the electric auto rickshaw parameters are selected and finalised, there will be trials with the rest for the next three months after which the Supreme Court will take a final decision, a senior official said.