The unsung heroes: Bandra-based Gen Z redefines dabbawalla deliveries in Mumbai

The dabbawalas - Mumbai's OG delivery agents, might be at the cusp of a change. In a recent workshop introduced by RevolGo, Parel-based dabbawalas were powered with 8 cargo bikes that claimed to double their last-mile deliveries.

"Beyond speeding up delivery time, it also slashed off a major load of goods in transit. And with its ergonomic design, my legs don't get tired anymore!" exclaims Mahadeo Havaji Bachche dabbawala when asked about his experience with RevolGo.

He is not alone. Ravi, a young vendor who sells coconut in Bandra East has also switched to the futuristic bike. From 7 am to 4 pm, he is on a roll serving 40-50 coconuts across a distance of 15 kilometers. Adding to the list of riders are more delivery partners from DHL, local kirana stores and more porter services.

The green venture founded in 2022 by Bandra local Amartya Raj (23), is a novel entry into the e-bike realm committed to diminishing carbon footprints and fostering environmental synergy. "We have been working with the dabbawalas for over five months now. We wanted to equip them with a tool that doesn't disrupt their daily functioning," Raj tells Midday.

So, how does RevolGo work?
On a Tuesday afternoon, this writer, a locomotive enthusiast, hopped up to Kalanagar grocery store Meena Bazar, to check out the brand new RevolGo it had received.

Packed with a not-so-usual giant basket in the front, the e-bike is just like any other bicycle but with an accelerator. The rider can either use the throttle to speed up or pedal down to her destination. Delving into tech specifications, Raj tells us that the speed limit is 25 km (per hour), meaning that no prior licensing is required to acquire or ride it.

The battery size is that of a Bluetooth speaker, which takes a little over three hours to charge, lasts all day (30 to 50 km) and comes in a pack of 2. Boxy, edgy and an absolute trouble-shooter - this electric cycle stands as a common means of transport in Europe.

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"When conceptualising the bike's design, our objective was inclusivity. You ask who can RevolGo? And our answer is just anyone that has anything to carry," outlines Raj.

Central to Revolgo's mission is versatility. The cargo bicycle, dubbed as the Long John model, offers ample space for various cargo types, catering to a diverse range of businesses. From grocery stores to event management companies, the applications are manifold. The team's collaboration with the Ed Sheeran concert exemplifies this adaptability, where their bicycles facilitated seamless logistics during the event at Mahalaxmi Racecourse earlier this March.

Drawbacks of using EV
The increasing demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, has led to shortages, admits Raj's long-standing friend and schoolmate Hushaan Khambata (23). He joined the green venture as a business partner in February this year.

A firm believer in clean energy, he recounts, "Yes, there have been shortages, but as the demand for such products increases, people are going to find new and innovative ways of creating batteries and charging batteries. This is going to happen because, at the end of the day, fossil fuels are bound to run out."

Khambata reflects upon the core ethos of RevolGo: sustainability and accessibility. His belief in the future of electric vehicles (EVs) is tempered by a pragmatic acknowledgment of associated challenges. While issues like lithium sourcing and charging infrastructure persist, he remains optimistic about evolving solutions and governmental support for green initiatives.

Genesis of RevolGo
The genesis of Revolgo can be traced back to a transformative trip to Europe two years ago. It was during this journey in the summer months of 2022, that founder, Raj was struck by the practicality and sustainability of cargo bicycles, igniting a passion for eco-friendly transport solutions.

The inception of their work turned into reality at the Mumbai International Bike Fair. "We had created a prototype of a cargo bicycle for the exhibit. The bike was far from functional, yet this exercise took our innovative concept further," Raj tells Midday.

Having spent time studying in the US, Raj frequently returned home every six to seven months. Each time he was back, he couldn't help but notice how Mumbai was evolving at a lightning pace. The transformation was palpable - from the modes of transportation to the everyday convenience of Swiggy deliveries.

"It became evident to me that the existing transportation infrastructure was ill-equipped to handle the evolving demands of modern delivery services. This prompted me to devise a specialised transport vehicle tailored specifically for efficient and sustainable delivery operations, challenging the status quo of our current systems," remarks Raj.

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Upon returning from college, the team embarked on refining their prototype, a process that extended until late last year. The design, although not revolutionary in appearance, aimed to address the specific needs of urban delivery services.

One size fits all
Navigating the intricacies of urban mobility, RevolGo has ventured beyond traditional partnerships. Collaborations with Mumbai's iconic Dabbawalas and local businesses like Meena Bazaar underscored their commitment to grassroots impact. Harshaan's emphasis on community-driven initiatives highlights the team's holistic approach to sustainable urban development.

As the cargo bike expands its footprint beyond Mumbai, strategic partnerships and innovative financing models are crucial. Micro-financing schemes that are under process, aim to democratise access to their bicycles, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs. With manufacturing operations shifting to Delhi and plans for a nationwide expansion, the e-bike's trajectory signals a promising future for urban mobility solutions.

In the middle of rapid growth, RevolGo remains steadfast in its commitment to social impact. Recent collaborations with pet shops, coconut vendors and even potential partnerships with resorts hint at their inclusive approach to mobility solutions. Through diverse partnerships and a relentless focus on innovation, Revolgo continues to revolutionise urban mobility, one pedal at a time.

Log on to: revolgo.in
Cost: Rs 60,000 onwards

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